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Pragati Maidan tunnel built for Rs 777 crore fell into disrepair in 18 months, PWD and construction company face to face

Pragati Maidan Main Tunnel of Delhi was inaugurated 18 months ago. But now many technical flaws including its design have come to light. There is continuous leakage of water in Pragati Maidan Tunnel. Cracks have been seen in the foundation of the tunnel. In such a situation, the Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi Government has sent a notice to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Company and ordered it to start the repair work of Pragati Maidan Tunnel. Along with this, PWD has also imposed a fine of Rs 500 crore on the company. The cost of building this tunnel was Rs 777 crore.

In the notice sent on February 3, PWD had told the company that water was continuously leaking from the walls at many places in the tunnel. There are also big cracks at many places in the tunnel and underpass. There are many flaws in the drainage system inside the tunnel, due to which there is a problem of water filling in the tunnel. PWD has sought a reply from L&T company within 15 days. At the same time, L&T company has also claimed the same amount. The company has said that it has made a claim of Rs 500 crore on PWD.

Pragati Maidan Tunnel is beyond repair
The English newspaper ‘The Hindu’ has quoted a senior Delhi government official as saying that the Pragati Maidan tunnel is beyond repair. Big changes are needed in this. He said that this structure is no longer safe for passengers. It cannot be repaired without complete repair.

L&T company claimed Rs 500 crore
L&T company spokesperson said about water leaks and cracks in Pragati Maidan Tunnel, “PWD is our respected customer. We have happily worked with them for years. L&T would like to inform you that the company has filed a complaint against you amounting to Rs. 500. A claim of Rs crore has been filed.”

PM Modi inaugurated on 19 June 2022
Let us inform you that on June 19, 2022, PM Narendra Modi had inaugurated this 1.3 km long tunnel and 5 underpasses under the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor Project. After this, with the arrival of the rainy season, the tunnel had to be closed on several occasions due to water filling. This tunnel was completed for Rs 777 crore.

The project was completed in 4 years and 7 months
It was said in the notice of PWD that the tunnel project was given to L&T company in the year 2017. The company built Pragati Maidan Tunnel and Underpass in 4 years and 7 months. After this, at different times, PWD along with the company officials conducted high level inspection thrice to find out the defects of the tunnel. But the company did not correct the flaws. After which PWD has sent a notice.

Water is leaking from the tunnel walls. Due to this there is water logging in the tunnel. A stream of water keeps coming from the middle of the road. Due to this, cracks are forming on the walls of the tunnel. Considering the leakages happening at many places, using this tunnel is no less than dangerous.

What do experts say?
Urban planning expert Archit Singh said, “It seems that there is an issue of waterproofing. It seems that soil testing was not done properly. First of all, the use of this tunnel should be stopped. The government should appoint geological experts, architects, tunnel engineers and structural engineers.” A fact finding team should be formed. This team should find out the reasons for the leakages and cracks in the tunnel. It should also be seen whether the tunnel can be repaired and how it can be done.”