Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s premier construction agency, the Bridge Ropeway, Tunnel and Other Infrastructure Development Corporation (Bridcul), is once again in the news. The state government has taken a major step against NP Singh, Managing Director of Bridcul, and issued orders removing him from his post with immediate effect. The government has relieved him from his current position and attached him to the office of the Additional Secretary, Public Works Department.
The complaint against the Managing Director of Bridcul has increased his difficulties. The government has issued orders to remove the Managing Director following this affidavit. Significantly, the complaint against Managing Director NP Singh reached the Chief Minister’s Office, following which the decision to remove him was taken only after high-level approval.
The government’s order makes it clear that the administrative reshuffle at the top level of Bridcul was made following a serious complaint. It is being reported that a serious complaint regarding corruption was sent to the Chief Minister’s Office by a company through an affidavit. Preliminarily considering this complaint serious, the government decided to take immediate action. The order states that the allegations are extremely serious and require a high-level, impartial investigation.
NP Singh was appointed Managing Director of Bridkul in June 2024. He previously served as Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department and was appointed to Bridkul after retirement. During his tenure, the agency was working on several major projects, but the allegations against him have now put the entire department under scrutiny.
The government order also clearly states that holding such a high position as Managing Director could impact the investigation. Therefore, to ensure impartiality, it was necessary to remove him from the post. Therefore, he will be removed from the post of Managing Director until the investigation is completed.
Now, in addition to a departmental investigation, an independent agency is being considered to investigate this entire matter. The government wants to ensure that there is no doubt about the veracity of the allegations and that the investigation is completely transparent.
Bridcul is considered one of the state’s most important construction agencies, executing bridges, ropeways, tunnels, and other major infrastructure projects. Consequently, the allegations against its top responsible official have tarnished the department’s reputation. Following this government action, all eyes are now on the upcoming investigation, which will determine the merits of the allegations and what further steps will be taken in the matter.
