Odisha BJP demanded CBI probe into irregularities in Gurupriya bridge construction

Bhubaneswar: Odisha BJP demanded CBI probe into irregularities in Gurupriya bridge construction. The State BJP delegation led by president Basant Panda which met the Governor on Friday and demanded a CBI probe into the scam.

It should be noted that the State Government has shown undue favours to the contractor in the construction of the Gurupriya Bridge. The CAG in its report pointed out that there have been several irregularities in the bridge construction. The Government has allowed the contractor to make a profit of Rs 73.91 crore illegally, alleged a
The bridge’s executing agency Royal Infra has straightway made a profit of Rs 74 crore, alleged the BJP to the Governor.

The bridge has been built with Central assistance; and due to the massive irregularities, a probe by the CBI is very much necessary, said the delegation.

Though the bridge was constructed through EPC mode, flouting the rules Rs 24 crore was provided for charges of hiring boats and motor launches and for other miscellaneous expenses of Rs 4 crore were paid. In 2006, the State Government had awarded the contract of construction of the bridge to the Gammon India for Rs 47.42 crore, but the company said that with that amount it could not execute the work and demanded Rs 90.51 crore.

Later, the State Government which had disagreed to pay Rs 90.51 crore to the Gammon India, awarded the contract to the Royal Infra for Rs 187 crore and showed undue favour to the contractor, this has been pointed out by CAG in its report, said the BJP.

The Governor has assured the delegation to take suitable steps in the matter, said the BJP president after meeting the Governor.

BJD strongly condemned the BJP’s demand for a CBI probe into the bridge construction. The BJD said that as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has made the dream of 60 years come true, the BJP has become jealous and is making wild allegations.

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