NPN

Recently, a video showing large potholes on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway surfaced and went viral on social media. Following this, the NHAI took cognizance of the incident, and repair work on the expressway has now been completed. In a statement, the NHAI confirmed that the section where the road had subsided has been repaired and reopened to normal traffic. Show-cause notices have been issued to several officials in the wake of this incident, while some have been suspended. **Road subsided due to water accumulation** The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) stated, "The NHAI regrets the inconvenience caused to commuters on the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor due to a road subsidence incident following rainfall. The affected section has been repaired and opened to normal traffic. The incident occurred due to water accumulation at a specific location where the permanent cross-drainage system could not be made operational due to persistent opposition from local residents. Locals did not permit the connection of the balancing culvert; instead, they began using the culvert's path for vehicular movement, preventing the intended water drainage system from becoming functional." **Temporary drain constructed for water discharge** The NHAI added, "Following yesterday's incident, the NHAI immediately initiated repairs and began constructing a temporary parallel drain to ensure the safe discharge of rainwater until the permanent drainage system becomes operational. Continuous monitoring of the affected area is being maintained to ensure safe and uninterrupted traffic flow." Action Against Officials Providing details on the action taken, the NHAI stated, "Viewing this incident seriously, show-cause notices have been issued to the concerned Project Director, Authority Engineer, and EPC contractor, while the Authority Engineer's Team Leader and the contractor's Project Manager have been suspended. The NHAI is committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure robust and reliable national highway infrastructure." Video Went Viral on Social Media It is worth noting that large potholes appeared on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway just two months after its inauguration. A video showing the pothole-ridden road was circulating on social media. The viral video showed several potholes right in the middle of the road, with vehicles speeding past them. This situation posed a risk of a major accident. The NHAI has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to commuters.