The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued an official clarification regarding the incident at the under-construction section of NH-48 near Nipani after responding to an X (formerly Twitter) post by All About Belgaum.
In its reply, the NHAI Regional Office – Bengaluru stated that the reported location is the under-construction approach of a Light Vehicular Underpass (LVUP) on the Sankeshwar Bypass to Maharashtra Border section near Nipani on NH-48.
According to NHAI, the incident did not involve the main carriageway. The authority explained that the Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) had not yet been laid, and the work was still at the sub-grade level, with only part of the Dry Lean Concrete (DLC) completed.
NHAI said that heavy rainfall caused water to flow through the unfinished sub-grade, resulting in the erosion of a 7–10 metre portion of the approach embankment.
The authority further clarified that traffic movement was not affected, as vehicles were already being diverted through the service road while the main carriageway remains under construction.
NHAI added that restoration work is being carried out on priority to restore the damaged embankment and continue construction.
The clarification comes after images of the collapsed side wall and eroded embankment at the construction site circulated on social media, raising concerns among commuters about the safety and status of the ongoing highway project.
NHAI has reiterated that the incident is confined to the under-construction approach embankment and that traffic on the existing diversion route continues to operate normally.
Whatever the reason be, it’s still at the cost of the public. I’m sure the contractor will litigate (with insider support) his way out of the cause and get the government to foot his repair bills too.
Why no adequate drainage was provided. They will prove that it was a public urgency or emergency and that no one is accountable.