AAP demands CBI probe into delay, alleged corruption in Rani Jhansi flyover project

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) demanded a CBI probe into the "delay" and alleged "corruption" in the construction of the Rani Jhansi flyover that was unveiled Tuesday by Union minister Harsh Vardhan.

The BJP also termed the delay a serious issue and conceded the need for a probe into it.

"The flyover was scheduled to be completed by 2010. The delay in its completion reflects the work commitment of the Modi government and the BJP-ruled MCD. A CBI probe must be ordered to look into the delay and the corruption in the construction of the flyover," senior AAP leader and in-charge of North East Delhi constituency Dilip Pandey said.

The 1.6 km-long flyover executed by the BJP-ruled North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) was originally scheduled to be completed in 2010.

Earlier, Union minister Vijay Goel had suggested that an inquiry should be conducted into the delay in the construction of the flyover.

"There should be an inquiry as to why there has been so much delay in completing the project of the Rani Jhansi Flyover," Goel told PTI on the sidelines of the inaugural event.

Reacting to Goel's demand, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said it was a "serious matter" that needed to be investigated.

The delay in executing the project also led to cost escalation, Pandey claimed.

"Construction of the flyover began in 2008 with a budget of Rs 70 crore, which after completion is learnt to be around Rs 750-800 crore," he told reporters here.

Pandey alleged that "bogus payment" to the tune of Rs 110 crore was made towards land acquisition for the flyover to a person who was untraceable.

He demanded that Union Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recommend a CBI probe into the project.

Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari, replying to Goel's demand for a probe, tweeted, "Vijay Goelji the quesiton raised by you is a serious matter, it requires investigation. Let us go ahead with clear intention so the truth soon comes before people.