Ujjain-Garoth Highway Sinks Again, 500m Stretch To Be Rebuilt

The Ujjain-Garoth National Highway has sunk for the second time in seven months, with a 500-metre stretch near the railway bridge on Dewas Road subsiding due to a technical defect.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to dismantle and reconstruct the affected stretch of the highway, which was built at a cost of around ₹2,600 crore.

This is not the first time the highway has experienced issues, as a 200-metre section sank on February 6. The construction agency GVR has begun excavation work on the affected stretch, which could further delay the highway's handover and the commencement of traffic.

A video showing construction material collapsing near the bridge had gone viral, raising questions over the quality of the highway. Following a technical inspection, authorities detected defects and decided to dismantle the affected section and rebuild it.

According to GVR senior engineer Amit Rai, an investigation by IIT Delhi identified technical problems in a 100 to 200-metre section. To eliminate the risk of further subsidence in the future, the entire stretch of around 500 metres is being excavated and reconstructed from the ground-up.

The project, which was supposed to have been completed around a year ago, remains unfinished. Two highway packages have been completed, but a 41-kilometre stretch between Chandesari and Kheda Khajuria is still pending.

This package, estimated to cost around ₹900 crore, is being constructed by GVR Construction. Work on the road overbridge (ROB) and the road was scheduled to be completed by December, but reconstruction of the sunken section is now likely to cause further delays.

The route is considered particularly important in view of the Simhastha Mahaparv-2028. NHAI Ujjain project director Shivam Sharma said the affected section is being reconstructed following a technical inspection to ensure that such a problem does not recur.

The department is aiming to start traffic on the highway by March 31. The reconstruction of the highway is a significant undertaking, and the NHAI is working to ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible.

The sinking of the highway has raised concerns about the quality of construction and the potential risks to motorists. However, the NHAI is taking steps to address these concerns and ensure that the highway is safe and functional.

In the context of India's infrastructure development, the Ujjain-Garoth highway project is an important one, as it aims to improve connectivity and facilitate economic growth in the region. The project's completion is eagerly anticipated, and the NHAI is working to ensure that it is finished as soon as possible.

The significance of this project cannot be overstated, as it has the potential to transform the region's economy and improve the lives of its residents. The NHAI's efforts to complete the project are a testament to the government's commitment to infrastructure development and its potential to drive economic growth.