Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh): Continuous rainfall over the past five days has exposed serious flaws and alleged corruption in the construction of a major highway project in the district. The road, being built by KPCL under Bharatmala Project at a cost of Rs 1,600 crore has suffered damage even before its completion.
The four-lane highway, part of National Highway 543, connects Gondia in Maharashtra to Lavada in Balaghat. It includes construction of three railway overbridges (ROBs). The project, being executed by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), is scheduled for completion by 2026.
However, the recent rainfall has revealed substandard work. Near Bhamodi village on Lavada-Khursodi stretch, the roadside shoulder has been uprooted, and a retaining wall has collapsed. Locals and observers allege that the construction company KPCL is violating contractual norms and compromising on quality.
The damage has raised serious concerns about the structural integrity of the road and the overall quality of work being carried out. Questions are now being raised on the oversight and monitoring mechanisms in place for such a high-budget national project.
Residents and stakeholders are demanding immediate investigation and accountability to prevent further loss of public funds and ensure the safety of commuters
