A significant issue has emerged during the construction of the elevated corridor between Narol and Sarkhej in Ahmedabad, where a bridge pillar was demolished after it had been erected. This incident has raised serious questions about the planning and quality control of the project, which is budgeted at ₹1,295 crores.
Footage circulating on social media shows workers using machinery to break down a pillar that reportedly stood between 15 and 20 feet tall. An employee on-site explained that the pillar was deemed ‘out’ during construction, necessitating its removal for reconstruction.
The project spans a total length of 10.63 kilometers and aims to upgrade existing road conditions while adding an elevated corridor as per requirements. Scheduled for completion by February 15, 2028, concerns are mounting over how such a large structure could be built with apparent defects.
Concerns Over Quality Control
This demolition raises critical safety questions. How was measurement and alignment checked during its building? Questions arose regarding whether proper assessments were done before construction commenced.
Drainage Issues Reported
- Alongside structural concerns, residents have reported damage to drainage lines due to ongoing excavation work.
- This disruption has led to water drainage problems in surrounding areas whenever it rains heavily.
Local Residents Voice Complaints
The elevation of the highway has also caused complaints from nearby communities as their neighborhoods now flood more easily following heavy rainfall.
Traffic congestion along this route has become another pain point, with reports indicating severe delays due to potholes exacerbated by construction activities.
A Response from Officials?
Congress party leader Rajesh Soni criticized officials for their negligence regarding the situation. “What were they doing when such a large pillar was under construction?” he questioned, implying potential corruption within development efforts.