CAG report : Challenges in bridge construction projects in Madhya Pradesh

The audit of bridge construction projects in Madhya Pradesh revealed significant challenges, including frequent time and cost overruns, inadequate planning, deficient contract management, and safety concerns for road users. Among the key findings were delays in project completion, often due to insufficient planning methodologies like the Critical Path Method. Additionally, contract management deficiencies resulted in incomplete recoveries and failures to adhere to regulations. Safety features for road users were found lacking, and systemic planning and coordination with other departments were inadequate. These issues underscore the need for improved planning, better use of planning tools, more efficient contract management, and enhanced safety measures in bridge construction endeavors.

Highlights of the audit findings :

• Time and Cost Overruns: Only a small percentage of bridge works were completed within the agreed-upon timeframe, with delays ranging from one to 68 months in the majority of cases. The primary reason identified for these overruns was inadequate planning.
• Lack of Planning Tools and Techniques: The department lacked the utilization of planning tools and techniques such as the Critical Path Method (CPM) or Programme Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) charts. This failure to employ these methods resulted in an inability to identify the causes of delays and areas requiring additional effort for timely completion.
• Inefficient Contract Management: There were deficiencies in contract management practices, leading to issues such as incomplete recovery of royalties, finalization of works without necessary certificates, and lack of adherence to rules and regulations.
• Safety Concerns: Many bridges lacked proper safety features for road users, including road furniture like retro-reflective signs, crash barriers, and road markings. Safety measures for pedestrians, such as safety kerbs and collapsible railings, were also inadequate, particularly in the case of submersible bridges.
• Lack of Systemic Planning and Coordination: The department failed to adequately plan and coordinate with other departments before executing bridge works, leading to challenges in ensuring adherence to contract provisions and providing safe passage for pedestrians post-construction.

Overall, the audit highlights the need for improved planning, better utilization of planning tools and techniques, more efficient contract management, and enhanced safety measures to address the identified shortcomings in bridge construction projects.