A high-level inquiry has squarely placed the blame on the contractor for the collapse of an under-construction VIP entrance gate at the revered Shri Mahalakshmi Jagdamba Temple in Koradi, Nagpur. The incident, which resulted in injuries to 16 individuals, has been attributed to gross negligence and serious lapses in safety protocols.
Findings of the Investigation Committee
The probe committee, formed on the orders of Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and led by Collector Vipin Itankar, submitted a damning report. The panel, which included senior engineers from the Water Resources and Public Works Departments alongside experts from VNIT, concluded that the primary fault lay with the contractor. The accident on August 9, 2025 occurred due to the use of a dangerous mix of old and new shuttering material and a critical lack of skilled supervision on site.
The report meticulously documented a series of alarming deficiencies that led to the structural failure. These included:
- Absence of essential diagonal bracing for support.
- Faulty and improperly assembled pin joints.
- Incorrect installation of bolts and nuts.
- Defects in the U-jack and channel assembly systems.
Furthermore, the committee indicted the project's architect and the project management consultant (PMC) for their failure in ensuring proper oversight and enforcing mandatory safety measures.
Recommended Penal Actions and Project Status
In light of the findings, the committee has recommended stringent punitive measures. The contractor and the PMC are set to face significant financial penalties. Key recommendations include:
- Imposing a 5% penalty on the PMC for each week of project delay.
- Levying a fine of up to 1% of the total contract value for failure to meet deadlines.
- Denying any payment for the collapsed structure section.
- Recovering costs for damaged materials from the responsible parties.
Consequently, all construction work at the site has been suspended. The Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) has now redesigned the gate structures to reduce their weight by half. Work will only resume after the new designs receive technical approval from VNIT.
Broader Impact on ₹212-Crore Temple Development
This incident has cast a shadow over the ambitious ₹212-crore development project underway at the temple precinct. The large-scale plan includes the installation of statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a towering 151-foot statue of Hanuman, of which 107 feet have been completed so far. The committee's report emphasizes the need for strict compliance with safety norms to prevent any future mishaps during the execution of these prestigious projects.
The authorities have assured that the investigation's recommendations will be implemented in full to ensure accountability and safeguard worker safety as the development works eventually move forward.
