Under-construction stretch in Hamirpur develops potholes

Dinesh Kanwar

Hamirpur, June 28

A stretch between Mattan Sidh in Hamirpur district and Kandror in Bilaspur district on the under-construction NH-88 has developed potholes, exposing “sub-standard” material being used in the construction.

The foundation stone of the road was laid by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in June 2016. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had proposed to repair a 45 km stretch of NH-88 at a cost of Rs 286 crore.

The work started soon after the stone-laying ceremony.

Sources said the construction work was being carried out by two companies, which were already running behind the schedule.

In a haste to complete the work, the companies were not adhering to the quality norms for national highways, they added.

Sources added that the National Highway Division had also been releasing payments to the companies without inspecting the quality required as per the NHAI norms.

Residents of Saur, Ukhali, Tarhgel, Dangar and Seu villages situated on this highway said concrete on the road was laid a month ago.

However, potholes had also started developingon the road,which made it difficult for the commuters drive vehicles.

Jagdeesh Chand Kanungo, Executive Engineer of the NH division, said after inspecting the road, he had ordered an inquiry into the matter.

He, however, refused to comment as to why payments were being released despite poor quality work.