News Flash Daily
21 February 
Public safety declared “non-negotiable” as PWD warns of strict legal and disciplinary action after a fatal accident in West Delhi
New Delhi: In the aftermath of a tragic road accident in Janakpuri, where a biker lost his life after falling into an unbarricaded, dug-up stretch, the Public Works Department (PWD) has issued strict and immediate safety directives for all ongoing construction and excavation works across the capital.
PWD Issues Immediate City-Wide Safety Order
According to official instructions circulated within the department, all engineers, contractors, and field staff have been directed to ensure compulsory barricading, reflective signage, and proper illumination at sites involving foundation excavation, road digging, or any form of civil construction.
The orders apply uniformly to dug-up holes, open trenches, and active construction zones, especially in high-traffic residential and arterial areas of Janakpuri and other parts of New Delhi.
Public Safety Declared “Non-Negotiable”
Calling public safety a non-negotiable responsibility, the PWD emphasised that reinforced safety protocols must be followed without exception, particularly during night hours when visibility is low, and the risk to two-wheelers and pedestrians increases.
“Any negligence or lapse in adopting prescribed safety precautions not only endangers human life but also brings disrepute to the department and invites serious legal and disciplinary consequences,” the PWD stated in its official order.
Legal and Disciplinary Action on the Table
The department has made it clear that failure to comply with the revised safety instructions will attract strict action, including departmental inquiries, contractor penalties, and possible legal proceedings. Officials have been instructed to conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance on the ground.
The fatal accident in Janakpuri occurred when a biker reportedly fell into an inadequately secured excavation site, raising serious questions about oversight, accountability, and contractor responsibility. The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed demands for safer urban infrastructure management.
