Delhi’s Public Works Department has issued notices to Larsen and Toubro and its officials, the construction company responsible for the Pragati Maidan tunnel, saying that there were “serious technical and design deficiencies” and “design flaws” in the tunnel.
The PWD’s notice, issued on February 3, said, “The “notable variation” in the actual construction is likely to cause an “irreparable and unprecedented impact” on the underpasses and tunnels which are intended to be utilised by the public for years.”
The Delhi government has demanded a deposit of Rs 500 crore from the company and demanded it begin repair work on the tunnel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on June 19, 2022, inaugurated the 1.3-km-long tunnel and five underpasses as part of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor Project.
The tunnel has witnessed multiple closures due to waterlogging during the Delhi floods last year. The notice alleged that the project, with the passage of time, revealed “glaring infirmities that were not only technical in nature but were also design flaws”.
“The most glaring as well as alarming issue was the accumulation of water across various locations in the tunnel/underpass,” it said.
WHAT WENT WRONG WITH PRAGATI MAIDAN TUNNEL
So, what went wrong with the Rs 777 crore Pragati Maidan tunnel project? Why are there so many seepages?
Archit Pratap Singh, Urban Planning Expert, explains that creating a resilient underground tunnel requires in-depth geotechnical examination to understand soil and rock conditions.
Engineers select suitable support systems based on geological findings, integrating methods like rock bolts and tunnel lining.
“The seepage issue in the Pragati Maidan tunnel highlights the lack of proper waterproofing measures during construction, leading to water leakage. Instances of water clogging in the 1.3 km drainage tunnel and the absence of saucer drains at crucial points underscore potential lapses in the implementation or design of drainage systems. Of particular concern are the cracks that have appeared in the tunnel within two years of its opening,” said Singh.
With so many conditions and checks to consider, the underpass was constructed in record time.
Experts now believe that a proper multi-team safety audit is required before any possible overhaul. Continuous water seepage can pose a catastrophic danger to any structure made of concrete and TMT bars, whether it’s a high-rise, flyover, or underpass.
“A research team, including structural, civil, seismic, and geological experts, should thoroughly investigate the causes, considering factors like ground movement, water ingress, poor construction practices, excessive loads, settlement of surrounding structures, reinforcement corrosion, lack of maintenance, improper construction materials, or seismic activity. Analysing the rapid development of cracks will help pinpoint the specific reasons behind this structural issue,” he said.
Despite remaining shut during monsoons due to incessant waterlogging, the underpass continues to experience seepage.
The notice also underlined the fact that the entire design and execution of the project was under the control of L&T and no government agency had any role in it.
LARSEN AND TOUBRO RESPONDS
An L&T spokesperson said his company has filed a counter-claim of Rs 500 crore.
“PWD, Delhi, is an esteemed client and we value the long years of association we have enjoyed with them. However, L&T would like to state that a counter-claim of Rs 500 crore has been made by the company against PWD, Delhi,” the spokesperson said.
(With PTI inputs)
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Aisha Patel is a dedicated Indian correspondent with a deep understanding of the nation’s diverse affairs. With a background in Indian culture, politics, and current events, she provides in-depth analysis and timely reporting on domestic issues within India.
