Sunday’s incident at Sangolda junction, where a concrete segment of the under-construction Porvorim elevated corridor collapsed during hoisting, underlines the vital importance of prioritizing safety over mere project timelines. While it is fortunate that no fatalities occurred, with only a couple of injuries reported, the incident raises serious concerns about the standards of safety protocols, quality assurance, and the approach to risk management in large infrastructure projects.
Construction sites, especially those working on elevated structures over active traffic routes, operate in environments where errors, in whatever form, can have catastrophic consequences. The Sangolda segment collapse was attributed by PWD officials to a mechanical failure, dismissing any structural flaw in the design. While such an explanation is aimed at reassurance, it cannot be an excuse for complacency. Mechanical failures, equipment malfunctions, or technical glitches are consequences of failures somewhere, and these failures, cannot be accepted in projects like these where there are busy roads in the vicinity.
There can be no room for “trial-and-error” approaches in these critical operations. Every segment lift and every move of heavy infrastructure should be guided by rigorous safety protocols, redundancies, checks, and real-time monitoring. The margin for error should be non-existent when lives are at stake. The very design and execution of such projects must incorporate fail-safes that prevent catastrophic failures even if equipment malfunction occurs.
The Sangolda incident focusses on the urgent need for comprehensive risk assessments before commencing such operations. Authorities must insist that contractors not only follow prescribed safety standards but also go beyond compliance if necessary, to ensure absolute safety. Structural design, construction methodology, and lifting procedures should be subjected to independent audits and simulations. The consequences of a failure in such projects could be instant fatalities, mass injuries, or severe traffic disruptions.
A detailed investigation must be conducted to identify the root cause of the mechanical failure, and, preventive measures such as temporary diversions, road closures, or night-time operations should be employed during critical lifting phases to minimize risks to commuters and pedestrians. Safety cannot be compromised for the sake of meeting deadlines.
This incident at Sangolda is not isolated. The recent reports of concrete pieces falling from the Zuari Bridge’s expansion joints within just a year and a half of its inauguration further highlight the pressing need for rigorous safety audits and maintenance. The Zuari Bridge envisioned as a landmark project with a revolving restaurant and scenic capsules, now shows signs of premature wear and tear. Such issues threaten not only public safety but also the credibility of infrastructure development efforts.
The government and contractors must treat these incidents as wake-up calls. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and proactive maintenance are essential to ensure that infrastructure remains safe and functional long after commissioning. The focus must shift from merely completing projects on schedule to ensuring their safety, durability, and resilience.
Infrastructure projects are investments in development. Their successful completion depends on an unwavering commitment to safety standards without exception. The Sangolda incident should serve as a call for stricter oversight, higher safety standards, and a zero-tolerance approach to errors because lives are at stake. The State government must prioritize safety, demand accountability, and ensure that preventive measures are in place so that such incidents are not repeated in future.
