Delhi ACB Acts on L-G Order, Files FIR Over Barapullah Phase 3 Flyover Delays
The Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) concerning significant alleged irregularities in the Barapullah Phase 3 flyover project. This action follows a directive from Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, who had previously ordered a probe into the matter citing substantial financial losses to the state exchequer.
Details of the FIR and Allegations
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the FIR has been filed under specific sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, including Section 7A, which pertains to taking undue advantage to influence a public servant through corrupt means. The case targets unknown officials and a contractor involved in the project.
The core allegations revolve around:
- An inordinate delay in the construction timeline
- Substantial cost escalation beyond the original budget
- Irregularities in arbitration payments made during the project's execution
The ACB's initial probe, initiated on a complaint from the Delhi government's Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), suggests a lack of administrative oversight and possible managerial failures. Investigators are currently examining all relevant project documents to ascertain the extent of the alleged misconduct.
Background of the Project and Previous Actions
The Barapullah Phase 3 flyover project, originally approved in 2011, represents a critical infrastructure initiative for Delhi's transportation network. Designed as a 3.5-kilometer four-lane elevated corridor connecting to the existing Barapullah flyover at Sarai Kale Khan, the project has faced numerous challenges over the years.
Key milestones and issues include:
- Budget allocation of Rs 1,260.63 crore in December 2014
- Awarding of construction to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in April 2015
- Original completion deadline of October 2017
- Persistent delays due to land acquisition problems, tree-cutting permission hurdles, and alleged departmental mismanagement
In October of last year, L-G V.K. Saxena characterized the prolonged delay as "inexplicable in itself" and highlighted that it had resulted in losses amounting to hundreds of crores of rupees for the government. He described the situation as demonstrating "complete absence of administrative oversight, managerial failure and criminal neglect" in executing this high-value infrastructure project.
Current Status and Future Implications
Despite more than a decade since approval, the project remains incomplete. Officials now anticipate completion by June of this year. Financial records indicate that Rs 1,238.68 crore has already been expended from the original estimate, with the new projected cost rising to approximately Rs 1,330 crore.
The matter first gained formal attention during an EFC meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on July 28 last year. The committee recommended a thorough inquiry focusing on:
- The approval and acceptance of arbitration awards by potentially non-competent authorities
- The reasons behind the execution delays
- Fixing responsibility on erring officers
Subsequently, the Public Works Department (PWD) was directed to provide complete project records to the ACB for investigation. In a recent development, the PWD secured permission from the Central Empowered Committee to fell 250 trees necessary for advancing the project.
When contacted regarding the FIR, an L&T official stated that the company is aware of the development and stands ready to provide any required documents if formally requested by the ACB during their investigation.
