Mumbai: The newly constructed cement concrete (CC) stretch of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway between Naigaon and Virar is facing significant scrutiny due to emerging quality issues.
The Rs 553 crore white-topping project, funded by the central government and managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is already showing signs of distress. Despite the substantial investment, the road has developed noticeable cracks and potholes shortly after completion, raising concerns about the quality of construction. The ambitious project, whichh stretches from Varsova Bridge to Acchad near the Maharashtra-Gujarat border, was designed to enhance the durability and smoothness of the highway. However, the premature deterioration of the road surface has led many to question the integrity of the materials used and the oversight provided during construction.
During a recent inspection along NH48 between Varsova Bridge and Virar Phata, several issues were evident. Newly laid CC sections exhibited cracks and peeling cement, resulting in an uneven and hazardous driving surface. The problems were not confined to the main road but also affected flyovers where CC construction has been implemented. This has created a challenging driving environment, especially during nighttime, potentially increasing the risk of accidents for motorists and two-wheeler riders.
Motorists have expressed frustration, calling for accountability from NHAI officials and contractors. One motorist suggested that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari should consider suspending the NHAI officials involved in supervising the project and take stern actions against the contractors, including contract termination and blacklisting. Another driver echoed these concerns, criticising the road quality and questioning whether authorities would address the issue effectively or allow taxpayers’ money to be wasted.
The issues with the Naigaon-Virar stretch underscore a broader concern regarding infrastructure quality and the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms in large-scale public projects. As the NHAI faces mounting pressure, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to these challenges and rectify the problems plaguing this high-profile road development.
