After Uttarkashi Mishap, MoRTH Announces Audit of Under-construction Tunnels across India

Days after an under-construction tunnel collapsed in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is now planning to audit the other tunnels being built across the country. In a statement, the MoRTH announced that to ensure safety and adherence to the highest quality standards during construction, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will undertake a safety audit of all 29 under-construction tunnels in the country.

“NHAI officials along with a team of experts from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) as well as other tunnel experts will inspect the ongoing tunnel projects and will submit a report within seven days,” the ministry said.

With a total length of around 79 km, the 29 under-construction tunnels are spread over different locations across the country with 12 in Himachal Pradesh, six in Jammu and Kashmir, two each in Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan, and one each in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi.

Konkan Railways to review tunnel design, drawings

NHAI also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL). Under this agreement, KRCL will provide services for NHAI projects to review design, drawing, and safety aspects related to tunnel construction and slope stabilisation.

“KRCL will also conduct safety audits of tunnels and if required, suggest remedial measures. In addition to this, KRCL will organise training programmes for capacity building of NHAI officials. This agreement will remain in effect for a period of two years,” the ministry added.

Tie-up with DMRC

In September 2023, NHAI signed a similar agreement with DMRC, which will provide services for reviewing planning, designing, construction and maintenance of tunnels, bridges, and other structures on national highways across the country.

“The initiatives highlight NHAI’s resolve to create a safe and seamless national highway network and collaborate with government organisations to share best practices for the enhancement of transport infrastructure, contributing towards the goal of nation building,” it added.

On November 12, a collapse occurred in an under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot due to debris falling in a 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side. Even after 10 days, 41 trapped workers are yet to be rescued.