The government explained that the road surface cave-in on the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor was caused by localized water stagnation after rainfall and issues with the permanent cross-drainage system. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) identified the cave-in at Km 55+480 during routine patrolling on July 1. Prompt restoration efforts were undertaken by the project team to repair the affected stretch, ensuring traffic safety and flow.
To manage the situation, NHAI is constructing a temporary parallel drain spanning about 1.5 kilometers. The drainage gradient is being reworked to efficiently handle rainwater until the completion of the balancing culvert at Km 56+500. The ministry highlighted that the culvert, intended for cross-drainage to divert rainwater away from the road, could not be operational due to local resistance and misuse as a vehicular crossing.
The statement mentioned that due to unresolved issues with local residents, the permanent slope protection and chute drain works are delayed at the site. Land-related disputes have hindered the completion of essential protection measures outlined in the project design. Despite NHAI’s efforts, the landowners have not allowed the necessary works to proceed, impacting the project’s progress.
