MP High Court Revives PIL Over Delayed Chambal River Bridge Construction
Last Updated on July 26, 2024 by News Desk
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has revived a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) from 2020 due to the state government’s failure to complete the construction of a bridge over the Chambal River. This bridge is essential for connecting parts of Madhya Pradesh with Uttar Pradesh. The Division Bench, consisting of Justice Anand Pathak and Justice Rajendra Kumar Vani, directed the state government, along with the Principal Secretary and Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Bhopal, to file a response within four weeks.
Advocate Awdhesh Singh Bhadauria, the petitioner, initially filed a writ petition in 2014, seeking the construction of bridges over the Chambal River at Ambah-Pinahat Road (Usaid Ghat) and Ater-Jaitpur Road (Ater Ghat). Bhadauria argued that these bridges are crucial for boosting socio-economic development by improving trade and transportation between the Morena and Bhind Districts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
In 2018, the state governments reported that the high-level bridge at Ater Ghat was nearly completed, with most of the 18 pillars constructed. They projected the bridge would be finished by June 2019. The construction of the bridge at Usaid Ghat was also progressing, although a revision in its width was required due to the declaration of the Ambah-Pinahat road as a state highway. The High Court, satisfied with these assurances, disposed of the petition in July 2018.
However, in 2020, Bhadauria approached the High Court again, citing the state’s failure to fulfill its promises. The High Court issued notices, and the state government assured that construction would be completed within 36 months. The court allowed Bhadauria to revive the PIL if the government did not meet this deadline.
Due to continued inaction, Bhadauria has now filed a fresh application to rehear WP 19301/2024. He highlighted the government’s failure to adhere to the court-mandated three-year timeline. The High Court has responded by reviving the PIL and demanding a reply from the state authorities.
This development underscores the ongoing struggle to complete vital infrastructure projects and the role of the judiciary in ensuring government accountability.
Written By — Athi Venkatesh AVD
