Kolkata, September 14: In the preliminary report released on Friday on the Majerhat bridge collapse, West Bengal government held Public Welfare Department (PWD) for the tragic incident. State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the bridge collapsed due to the negligence of the department. Talking to media Banerjee said, “PWD was informed about the condition of Majerhat Bridge in 2016 and was asked to begin maintenance. Since PWD didn't start working, the responsibility for the collapse lies with them.”

Investigation committing probing the collapse mentioned that the construction of the metro along with the PWD’s negligence was the main reason behind the collapse. The state chief minister assured of strict action against the culprits. Banerjee said that the bridge would be demolished completely and a new bridge would be constructed within a year.

On September 4, the 50-year old bridge collapsed in which three people lost their lives, and many others were reported injured. According to reports, earlier in July, Eastern Railways had alerted the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) about the weakening structure of the bridge. The Eastern Railways had informed the KDMA about weak support beams, exposed reinforcements and even cracks on piers of Majerhat Bridge.

In the letter to KMDA, dated July 27, the Eastern Railway Zone's Deputy Chief Engineer had highlighted the need for inspection of sections of the bridge, flagging several concerns regarding its structural efficacy. A copy of the letter was marked to the railway Senior Deputy Engineer, Sealdah.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2018 06:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).