Question Q.7 (cont.)GS2GS2

Under the given conditions, what are the options available to Ramesh as a project manager? What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh? What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by Ramesh and his response to overcome such challenges?

Main Body

While reviewing the approved design plans in preparation for execution, Ramesh identifies a serious flow. The proposed alignment includes a sharp 90-degree turn, incorporated due to spatial constraints between an electrical railway line on one side and ongoing metro construction on the other. From a standpoint, Ramesh believes the design is unsafe. It increases the risk of vehicular accidents, especially for heavy vehicles, and may lead to long-term inconvenience for road users. Nonetheless, the Chief Engineer overrules the Ramesh's concern. He states that the General Arrangement Drawing GAD has already been approved by the Railway Department, in coordination with Indian Railways. He points out that revisiting the design at this stage shall result in project delays, increased expenditure, and unwanted political alienation. Subsequently, Ramesh comes to know that the contractor awarded the tender to execute the project is a close relative of the PWD Minister. He also receives unofficial communication suggesting that his promotion is additional Chief Engineer, under active consideration, but could be jeopardized if he creates "unnecessary hurdles" in the project's timely completion. The incumbent state government is eager to complete the overbridge before the elections and present it as a major developmental achievement. This adds to the pressure on Ramesh to expedite project execution without raising further objections. Nonetheless, he remains convinced that the current design is flawed and could have grave implications for public safety if live unaddressed. Meanwhile, the bridge design has also attracted widespread public attention after being published in a leading local newspaper. Images of the sharp 90-degree turn went viral on social media, drawing criticism and ridicule. Several engineering experts have publicly flagged the alignment as a potential safety hazard, reinforcing Ramesh's concerns.

281 words1 paragraphs

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Page 29

Topper

SAKSHEE MISHRA

AIR 2142025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Government Policies and Interventions - Design, Implementation and Issues

Government Schemes and Policies

Writing Stats

281

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone

Linked PYQ

An elevated corridor is being constructed to reduce traffic congestion in the capital of a particular state. You have been selected as project manager of this prestigious project on your professional competence and experience. The deadline is to complete the project in the next two years by 30 June 2021, since the project is to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister before the elections are announced in the second week of July 2021. While carrying out the surprise inspection by the inspecting team, a minor crack was noticed in one of the piers of the elevated corridor possibly due to poor material used. You immediately informed the chief engineer and stopped further work. It was assessed by you that a minimum of three piers of the elevated corridor have to be demolished and reconstructed. But this process will delay the project minimum by four to six months. But the chief engineer overruled the observation of the inspecting team on the ground that it was a minor crack that will not in any way impact the strength and durability of the bridge. He ordered you to overlook the observation of the inspecting team and continue working with the same speed and tempo. He informed you that the minister does not want any delay as he wants the Chief Minister to inaugurate the elevated corridor before the elections are declared. Also informed you that the contractor is a far relative of the minister and he wants him to finish the project. He also gave you a hint that your further promotion as an additional chief engineer is under consideration by the ministry. However, you strongly felt that the minor crack in the pier in the elevated corridor will adversely affect the health and life of the bridge and therefore it will be very dangerous not to repair the elevated corridor. (a) Under the given conditions, what are the options available to you as a project manager? (b) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges? (c) What are the professional challenges likely to be faced by the project manager and his response to overcome such challenges? (d) What can be the consequences of overlooking the observation raised by the inspecting team?

20M2021Explain