Delhi Metro: Not a good design

DMRC blacklisted firm after enquiry revealed faulty design led to Metro mishap at Zamrudpur
Sadiq Naqvi Delhi

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Tuesday blacklisted Arch Consultancy Services for faulty design that led to the July 12 incident at Zamrudpur.

After detailed examination of the process of design, contract and findings of the enquiry report and analysis of replies furnished by Arch Consultants, DMRC took the decision. "M/s Arch Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. (and their sister concerns/ partners) having worked to the detriment of the interest of DMRC and having grossly misconducted, shall be blacklisted for a period of minimum 5 years from doing any business with DMRC or as DDC (Detailed Design Consultants) through any contractor working under DMRC," the metro spokesperson said.

Moreover, they will also be removed from all running contracts. The spokesperson added that all the other engineering organisations dealing in similar design works will be informed of this decision by DMRC. Arch Consultants could not be contacted.

Under pressure to meet deadlines, the DMRC is reportedly cutting corners and compromising on safety. The enquiry committee setup to investigate the incident noted that collapse of drawings followed for construction of the concrete girder resting on Pier-67 were just "advance copies" which were "not authenticated by DMRC's design section". Moreover "on occasion, work commences without 'Good for Construction' signed drawings to avoid delay in construction; at a later stage the project team authenticates the calculations/drawings with DMRC's designers. In case of Pier-67, authenticated designs are yet to be finalised". The report also noted that "the concrete fails to meet the strength criterion by a wide margin".

The members of the committee included Dr AK Nagpal, professor, department of civil engineering at IIT Delhi; Dr PR Bose, professor at Delhi College of Engineering; Steve Lowry, project director, general design (DMRC); and DMRC design head Rajan Kataria. However, Kataria was later removed from the committee.

The report also noted that seismic analysis which is a mandatory provision to improve the performance of bridges during earthquakes in seismic zones IV and V was never done by the DMRC on the viaduct.

However, Gammon officials denied the matter and said they are still to receive a written or verbal official communication from the DMRC. A legal reply to the DMRC's showcase notice was sent in the last week of August, but they are yet to receive an official communication from DMRC, said a senior official from Gammon.