Guwahati, August 28: Following the death of a worker at the Maharaj Prithu Flyover construction site, a dispute has erupted between the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) and the Public Works Department (PWD) regarding the factors contributing to the accident.

A representative from PWD stated that the limited hours for power shutdown imposed by APDCL, combined with the confined working conditions, posed significant risks for laborers.

"APDCL only allows power shutdown from midnight to 5 am, but we had requested extended hours due to the high-risk nature of overhead work," the official, who wished to remain anonymous, explained.

He further noted that workers often have to maneuver heavy steel components in tight spaces between the flyover and the sidewalk, complicating their tasks due to ongoing vehicle traffic.

The official emphasized that while security personnel have been increased, incidents like this underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures. “A life lost is a serious matter,” he remarked, indicating that safety protocols and workforce presence at the site are being enhanced.

Workers engaged in construction work of Maharaj Prithu flyover without any safety gear

In response, an APDCL official argued that the accident stemmed from contractors failing to adhere to safety protocols.

“We routinely shut down power at night until around 7 am to facilitate construction. However, we cannot extend this period as residents require electricity during the day, especially in summer,” he stated.

He asserted that the Corporation conducts meetings with PWD, contractors, and other involved parties, urging them to keep workers away from high-voltage lines when power is active.

“Tragedies occur when these guidelines are ignored. Adequate precautions are essential before allowing workers to operate overhead,” he added.

The blame exchange followed an incident on Wednesday, where 35-year-old Zaher Ali from Mandia, Barpeta, suffered a fatal electric shock while working on a pillar. The shock caused him to fall, resulting in severe injuries. He was taken to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where he later died. Another worker, 38-year-old Jamal Ali, also from Mandia, sustained 15% burn injuries and is currently receiving treatment at GMCH.

This is not the first incident of its kind at this construction site. On May 17, another worker named Saiful was critically injured due to electrocution at the same flyover project.

On May 17, another worker was critically injured after being electrocuted  

Less than a month prior, on April 23, a woman was electrocuted while navigating a waterlogged and debris-laden road near the same construction site.

These repeated incidents highlight a broader issue of inadequate safety measures at construction sites in the city, with local residents expressing concerns that extend beyond the workers themselves.

Dhruba Deka, a passerby, recounted a narrow escape near the site. “I was walking from Guwahati Club towards Chandmari when a 30cm rod suddenly fell just a few metres away. If I had been under the pillar, it could have hit my head. The workers on the pillar seemed completely unaware,” Deka shared.

The under construction Maharaj Prithu flyover

These consecutive accidents have once again brought to light the lack of coordination among agencies and the insufficient safety protocols at major infrastructure projects in Guwahati. As one observer bluntly stated, “No matter how many people die, the work won’t stop... This has to go on.”