Construction Worker Dies After Falling Into Deep Excavation at Naharlagun Flyover Site

Guwahati: A tragic incident at a flyover construction site in Naharlagun has resulted in the death of a 45-year-old worker from Assam. Jangbir Biswakarma fell into a 30-foot-deep excavation near the ABC Restaurant on the Naharlagun highway, reportedly due to negligence on the part of the subcontractor, TK Engineering Consortium Pvt. Ltd.Local police recovered Biswakarma’s body early this morning and have sent it to the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.The flyover project, part of the larger Naharlagun highway development, was awarded to Odisha-based Woodhill-Shivam in 2021. However, much of the work has been subcontracted to TK Engineering Consortium Pvt. Ltd., which has faced criticism for failing to meet deadlines and safety standards. With the project slated for completion by December 2024, ongoing delays and inadequate safety measures have left several dangerous open pits at the construction site, heightening risks for workers and local residents alike.The tragic accident has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stricter oversight of the project. Concerned citizens are urging authorities to hold the subcontractor accountable for the mishap and for the broader safety issues on site. There are also reports that the government is considering terminating the contract of TK Engineering Consortium Pvt. Ltd. for its inability to meet project milestones and ensure safety standards.This incident underscores the urgent need for more stringent supervision and accountability in public infrastructure projects to prevent further accidents and ensure worker safety.