Inquiry initiated into construction work without tender

MALDA, 16 NOV: The divisional railway manager (Eastern Rail) in Malda Mr MK Mathur has ordered an inquiry into the construction of a level crossing, which was installed allegedly without tender and work order. Tenders for the construction of level crossings and their cabins in unmanned spots in Kaliachak were floated in August. The contractors were selected as per response to the tenders and the railway authority allotted work order for the construction of three level crossings.Though construction of two level crossings (Nos. 64 and 68) are going on at present, the railway officials detected that the construction of another level crossing (no 63-C) near Jadupur was completed five months ago. According to railway documents, a contractor Mr Parlhad Kundu had been given the job to set up crossing no 63-C at over Rs 20 lakh. The divisional railway manager has reportedly asked the divisional engineer about ‘who did the work without order'. Puzzled with how the construction of the level crossing was completed prior to issuance of work order, the DRM has reportedly asked the divisional engineer to inquire into the matter. The matter came to light after villagers demanded commissioning of the level crossing, which was not being used after completion.;SNS