NHAI Explains Delhi–Dehradun Expressway Road Cave-In, Cites Waterlogging and Delayed Drainage Works
The cave-in occurred at Km 55+480, where routine route patrolling by the project team detected the damaged stretch in the early hours of July 1. Restoration work was immediately undertaken, and the affected section was repaired on priority to ensure safe and uninterrupted traffic movement.
According to NHAI, a balancing culvert at the site had been constructed to channel rainwater across the median and away from the carriageway. However, the culvert could not be connected and made operational because local residents allegedly opposed its integration and instead used the culvert opening as a vehicular crossing. As a result, the intended drainage system remained non-functional, leading to rainwater accumulation along the carriageway during heavy rainfall and causing the road surface cave-in.
NHAI further stated that permanent slope protection and chute drain works at the location are also pending due to an ongoing land-related arbitration dispute. The authority said repeated attempts to execute these works have been hindered as the concerned landowners have not allowed access, preventing completion of the permanent protection measures envisaged under the project design.
As an interim solution, NHAI has started constructing a parallel drain of approximately 1.5 km. The drainage gradient is also being redesigned to safely channel rainwater up to the entry and exit point at Km 56+500 until the balancing culvert can be commissioned.
The authority said it is continuously monitoring the affected stretch and has deployed the necessary resources to ensure smooth and safe traffic movement. It added that the pending permanent slope protection and drainage works will be taken up immediately after the land dispute is resolved and an unhindered work front becomes available.
Reiterating its commitment to highway safety, NHAI said continuous monitoring, preventive maintenance, and prompt response to weather-related incidents remain integral to its highway asset management framework.
Published on:
03 July 2026
Share:
We Value Your Comment
