PAC slams PWD over poor quality of Sion-Panvel highway work

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report on Sion-Panvel highway construction has slammed the Public Works Department (PWD) over the quality of road work, its durability and maintenance and poor control over the road contractors.
"Objections have been raised constantly over the quality, maintenance and durability of this road. Contractors neglected these issues after completing the construction and the government has no control over these contractors," stated the PAC report.
The report submitted in the state legislature today also pointed out to the government's attention the potholes developed on the Sion-Panvel highway.
"Every monsoon witnesses huge potholes on this road. Contractors do charge toll tax but refrain from maintenance of the road and the sufferer is a common commuter," the report said.

It has recommended audit of any such constructions in future, before handing them over to the government from contractor.
"It is necessary to undertake third party audit from IIT or other official institutes of these projects," said the PAC.

Among the important recommendations made by the PAC include setting up of an independent website to the benefit of people to allow them to submit online complaints about the Sion-Panvel road.
"These complaints should be taken cognizance of and contractors must be made to work on it," it said.
The project is presently being investigated by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) for alleged faulty work procedure adopted in issuing tenders, changes made regarding and so on.

The PAC has also asked for a report within three months explaining action taken and the status of inquiry by the ACB.
Pointing out that the fine fixed on contractors for violating terms and references in the contract is extremely negligible compared to the total project cost, the report has asked to fix the amount considering the project cost.