The structural failure of three recently inaugurated railway overbridges in Rajnandgaon district has sparked major concern at political and administrative levels, prompting Assembly Speaker Raman Singh and Member of Parliament Santosh Pandey to demand a high-level investigation. Both leaders have written separate letters to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, calling for strict punitive action against the construction agency, contractors, consultants, and railway officials responsible for the severe negligence. The railway overbridges, located at Barga, Alivara, and Musra on the Dongargarh-Rajnandgaon railway section, were constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 26 crore under the Central Government’s Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti Yojana. Falling under the Nagpur division of the South East Central Railway Bilaspur zone, the bridges were inaugurated just last month in June 2026. However, following heavy rains on July 4 and 5, the approach roads to the overbridges suffered massive soil subsidence, causing the structures to cave in and burst. Cracks measuring 60 to 70 feet long and 15 to 20 centimeters wide have surfaced on the newly built overbridges, rendering them completely unsafe for public transportation and commuting.

 

In his letter, Assembly Speaker Raman Singh described the situation as highly critical, stating that the extensive damage appearing within days of the inauguration raises serious questions regarding the construction quality and technical standards enforced during execution. He noted widespread resentment among local public representatives and citizens over the apparent sub-standard work. Raman Singh urged the Railway Ministry to immediately suspend transit, conduct rigorous safety testing, and initiate necessary repairs or complete reconstruction to prevent any future accidents. Echoing these concerns, MP Santosh Pandey stated that the damage occurred because rainwater penetrated the foundation of the railway overbridge, leading to severe soil displacement. He termed the incident a case of clear corruption and serious negligence. Santosh Pandey pointed out that while the Divisional Railway Manager has inspected the site, the railway administration has not yet initiated formal action against those responsible. He urged the Railway Minister to hold the guilty firms and administrative officials legally accountable for compromising public safety and mismanaging public funds.