New Delhi

The Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) on Tuesday directed a comprehensive safety inspection of flyovers, underpasses, roadside drains and street lighting across the city following the death of a motorcyclist who fell into an uncovered pit in Janakpuri.

In fresh instructions issued after directions from Delhi Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma, the department said all ongoing and upcoming excavation and construction works on roads must remain fully barricaded round the clock.

“No trench, pit or excavated road portion shall be left exposed under any circumstances,” the PWD order stated, directing officials to install reflective signages, warning boards, blinkers and caution tapes in line with prescribed safety standards, especially during night hours.

The department mandated regular night inspections at accident-prone locations such as sharp curves, intersections, medians, pedestrian crossings, bus stops, flyovers and underpasses to identify potential hazards.

Daytime inspections will focus on the condition of streetlight poles, wiring, earthing and foundations. “Any flickering, dim or partially functioning lights shall be treated as defective and rectified immediately. Temporary lighting must be provided wherever necessary,” the order said.

The directives follow the death of 25-year-old Kamal Dhyani, a Kailashpuri resident employed at a private bank’s call centre, who was returning home from Rohini early Friday when he fell into a pit dug for Delhi Jal Board work in Janakpuri. The stretch reportedly lacked proper barricading.

PWD has also ordered a detailed inspection of roadside drains under its jurisdiction, directing field officers to identify and promptly replace missing, broken or damaged drain covers.

“Where permanent repairs may take time, temporary protective arrangements must be put in place immediately, and compliance reports maintained at the division level,” the department said.

Special emphasis has been laid on the safety of flyovers, bridges, road overbridges and underpasses. Crash barriers and railings at these structures are to be thoroughly examined, with damaged or missing components repaired or replaced on priority.

“No flyover or bridge will be permitted to remain in an unsafe condition,” the order said.

The department also instructed the installation of crash barriers or guard rails along roads running parallel to drains, nallahs, water bodies or depressions, adding that temporary safeguards must be ensured until permanent solutions are implemented.

Warning of strict accountability, the PWD said any negligence or failure to comply with the safety directives would invite disciplinary action under relevant service rules.

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“Lapses in adopting prescribed safety measures not only endanger human life but also bring disrepute to the department and entail serious legal and disciplinary consequences,” the order added.