Overview
- The reinforced earth block-faced approach embankment for a Light Vehicular Underpass near Nippani gave way on Wednesday, eroding roughly 7–12 metres of fill and sending blocks onto an adjoining service road.
- NHAI reported the site was at sub-grade level with Pavement Quality Concrete not yet laid and only part of the Dry Lean Concrete completed, which it says left the formation vulnerable to heavy rain and seepage.
- The authority has suspended the Project Director, the Bridge Engineer and the Resident Engineer, issued show-cause notices to the contractor and the authority engineer, and opened a disciplinary inquiry.
- Traffic on the main carriageway was not disrupted because vehicles were already being routed on the adjoining service road and restoration and stabilisation works have been ordered as a priority.
- Local elected officials have criticised work quality and asked the Union minister to intervene, and investigators’ findings could affect the wider six‑lane upgrade schedule and project costs along the NH-48 corridor.