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A government-appointed audit committee has permitted construction to resume at only 11 of 136 high-rise project sites surveyed across Kolkata and adjoining urban areas following a comprehensive safety review. The inspections were ordered after the Taratala warehouse collapse, which prompted the West Bengal government to temporarily suspend work on major construction projects. The audit examined structural stability, approved building plans, construction quality, geotechnical conditions and regulatory compliance. Projects that failed to meet the prescribed standards must rectify deficiencies before receiving permission to restart work, reflecting the state's renewed emphasis on construction safety and regulatory oversight.
Construction has been allowed to resume at only 11 of the 136 high-rise project sites inspected across Kolkata and adjoining urban areas after a government-mandated safety audit, highlighting the extensive compliance issues identified following the recent suspension of construction activities in the state.
The inspections were initiated after the Taratala warehouse collapse, which raised concerns over construction safety and prompted the West Bengal government to temporarily halt work on high-rise and large commercial building projects. The suspension was accompanied by the formation of expert committees to conduct detailed technical assessments before permitting construction to resume.
According to officials, the audit covered projects located under multiple urban development authorities, including the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA). A standard operating procedure (SOP) was issued to guide the inspections, requiring engineers and technical experts to verify structural stability, approved building plans, soil conditions, construction methodology, material quality and compliance with applicable building regulations.
Following the initial round of inspections, only 11 project sites were found to have complied with the prescribed safety and regulatory requirements, allowing developers to restart construction activities. The remaining projects either require rectification of identified deficiencies, submission of additional technical documentation or further verification before fresh approvals can be granted.
The audit framework also requires authorities to examine geotechnical investigations, structural designs, foundation systems, construction supervision, safety protocols and quality control measures adopted at each site. Projects must demonstrate compliance with approved building plans and statutory norms before construction permissions are restored.
Officials said the exercise is intended not only to address immediate safety concerns but also to strengthen long-term regulatory oversight of large-scale construction projects. Developers have been directed to rectify shortcomings identified during inspections and submit compliance reports for review before work can recommence.
Industry stakeholders note that while the temporary suspension has affected project timelines, the audit process is expected to improve construction quality and enhance public confidence in high-rise developments. Developers whose projects satisfy the required standards are expected to receive phased approvals as inspections continue.
The construction sector in Kolkata has witnessed significant vertical growth in recent years, with increasing demand for residential and mixed-use developments across New Town, Rajarhat and other emerging urban corridors. As projects become larger and more technically complex, regulators are placing greater emphasis on structural safety, engineering quality and compliance with statutory approvals.
The ongoing audit also reflects a broader shift towards proactive monitoring of construction practices following recent structural failures in different parts of the country. Authorities believe stricter enforcement of engineering standards, periodic inspections and transparent compliance mechanisms will help minimise safety risks while ensuring orderly urban development.
With inspections continuing across the remaining project sites, only developments meeting all prescribed technical and regulatory requirements will be permitted to resume construction. The exercise is expected to shape future regulatory practices for high-rise developments across the Kolkata metropolitan region while reinforcing accountability among developers, engineers and supervising agencies.
Source- NK Damar
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