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The Pragati Maidan tunnel in Delhi, inaugurated with much fanfare by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2022, is now grappling with serious issues. Recent pictures and videos circulating on social media depict water seepage, substantial cracks in the cement, and poor drainage within the tunnel.
The Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD) has taken swift action, issuing notices to Larsen and Toubro (L&T), the construction company behind the six-lane tunnel. The notices allege "glaring infirmities" in the construction, emphasizing the urgent need for corrective measures. In a notice dated February 3, the PWD has asked L&T to deposit Rs 500 crore, citing the tunnel as a "potential threat to the life of passengers."
The PWD notice pinpointed a critical issue - the accumulation of water, particularly during the monsoon season, rendering the project non-operational and causing congestion in New Delhi. The department expressed concern that these challenges defeated the very purpose of the ambitious Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor Project.
In response, L&T has made a counter-claim of Rs 500 crore from the PWD. The company asserts that a detailed counter-claim has been filed against the department.
The Pragati Maidan tunnel, a key element of the Integrated Transit Corridor Project costing Rs 777 crore, aimed to enhance connectivity between central Delhi, eastern parts of the city, and satellite towns like Noida and Ghaziabad. However, unexpected issues have arisen, leading to a major setback.
The PWD, seeking Rs 500 crore from L&T for repair work, has also hinted at the necessity for a complete overhaul of the tunnel. A senior official at the PWD expressed that the tunnel's current condition is beyond repair and poses a safety risk for commuters.
Tunnels can face challenges like water seepage due to various reasons, such as improper construction techniques or the use of low-quality materials. Urban planning expert Archit Pratap Singh highlighted inadequate waterproofing and drainage systems as potential culprits for the Pragati Maidan tunnel's woes. The lack of proper waterproofing measures during construction may have led to water leakage, causing cracks and compromising the structure's integrity.
PM Modi inaugurated the 1.3-km-long tunnel on June 19, 2022, as part of an initiative to ease connectivity in Delhi. However, last year's monsoon saw the tunnel shut down due to waterlogging, underscoring multiple factors, including its location in a high water table area.
The Pragati Maidan tunnel, once envisioned as a symbol of improved transit, is now grappling with challenges that demand immediate attention. The Delhi government, L&T, and the PWD are all crucial players in the effort to address the technical and design flaws that have surfaced. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring commuter safety and restoring the functionality of this significant transit corridor.
