B-SMILE Fines JMC Constructions ₹2 Lakh Over Bellary Road Electrical Pole Work, Warns of Disqualification
Bengaluru, September 5: Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE) has imposed a ₹2 lakh penalty on M/s JMC Constructions Pvt Ltd for negligence in carrying out project work after inspections found electrical poles installed in violation of prescribed specifications on Bellary Road and construction debris left along the footpath, causing inconvenience to the public.
The action relates to the widening of Jayamahal Road from Mekhri Circle to Jayamahal Palace Hotel and Bellary Road from BDA Junction to Mekhri Circle in Bengaluru.
In a letter dated September 4, B-SMILE’s Director (Technical) informed JMC Constructions that the penalty had been imposed for negligence in carrying out the project work. The company has also been warned that continued lapses could lead to a recommendation for its disqualification from future B-SMILE projects.
According to the letter, the Greater Bengaluru Authority Minister inspected Bellary Road and observed with serious concern that electrical poles were being installed in blatant violation of the prescribed specifications.
At certain stretches, the spacing between the electrical poles was as wide as 20 metres, while at other locations it was erratic and varied between eight and 12 metres, indicating a complete lack of supervision and quality control, the letter said.
The Minister expressed severe displeasure over what the communication described as callous and substandard execution by the agencies. The contractor, supervisory engineers and the Project Management Consultant agency were pulled up for negligence and failure to implement the work according to specifications.
The Minister directed that accountability be fixed and corrective action taken immediately.
Following the Minister’s inspection, B-SMILE’s Director (Technical) conducted another inspection on September 3 along with Chief Engineer-01 and Project Engineer-01 of B-SMILE.
During this inspection, officials observed that the electrical poles had been installed in gross violation of the prescribed specifications, according to the letter.
Officials also found construction debris strewn along the footpath, causing inconvenience to the public. B-SMILE said these lapses reflected negligence and lack of diligence on the part of JMC Constructions in carrying out the work.
The company was consequently informed that a penalty of ₹2 lakh had been imposed for negligence in carrying out the project work.
B-SMILE further warned that if such lapses continued, its Director (Technical) would be constrained to recommend the company’s disqualification from future projects undertaken by B-SMILE.
JMC Constructions has been directed to rectify the defects immediately and submit a compliance report to the Director (Technical).
The B-SMILE communication cites a Karnataka government order dated March 4, 2020, and an Executive Engineer, RI-RWD agreement and work order, both dated May 6, 2020, in connection with the road-widening project.
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