Wall Collapsed on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Tunnel Project

On November 30, 2024, a median-side vertical wall collapsed at the Cut & Cover section of the 8-lane Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (DME) Tunnel Project, Package-15, near Kota. The wall, protected and stabilized with shotcrete and rock bolts as per design, gave way during reinforcement binding activities, burying five workers, including a telehandler operator. All workers were equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) at the time of the incident.
Rescue efforts began immediately following the collapse. A penalty of ₹50 lakh has been imposed on the contractor. An investigation committee comprising domain experts, including Sh. S.K. Nirmal (Retd. DGRD – MoRTH), Sh. A.K. Shrivastava (Retd. ADG – MoRTH), and Sh. Alok Pandey of M/s Elegant Engg., has been formed. The team will visit the site to identify the causes of the collapse and recommend remedial measures to prevent future occurrences.
NHAI has assured that all necessary steps are being taken to address the situation and ensure improved safety protocols.