• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

The Pragati Maidan Tunnel project, which was inaugurated in 2022 as a landmark infrastructure development for Delhi, is now facing serious safety and quality issues due to water seepage and drainage problems. The project, which cost Rs 777 crore and was completed ahead of the G20 Summit, also boasts the world’s largest wall painting, which has been damaged by water leakage and fading.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued multiple notices to Larsen and Toubro (L&T), the construction company responsible for the project and demanded that they deposit Rs 500 crore for the technical and design deficiencies, reported news agency PTI. The PWD is also scrutinising the construction and quality of the six-lane tunnel, which spans 1.3 km and connects Central, Southeast and New Delhi.

The tunnel also features the world’s largest wall painting and depicts the lifestyle and festivals of India in six seasons. The painting, which was done on steel sheets placed on the walls of the tunnel, was supposed to be registered in the Guinness Records as the largest outdoor public artwork in the world. However, the painting has been damaged by water leakage, fading and negligence and has not been repaired.

ALSO READ: Dwarka Expressway Update: Gurugram Section Likely To Open Soon As Nitin Gadkari Gives Green Flag; Check Details

The tunnel, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 June 2022, is 1.3 kilometres long and has artwork covering an area of 98,000 square metres. The current record holder is Incheon, South Korea, where painting has been done in an area of 23,688 square metres.

The tunnel and its accompanying underpasses were intended to facilitate seamless connectivity and alleviate congestion on key routes such as Bhairon Marg, Ring Road and Mathura Road. However, the project has encountered persistent issues, with water seepage remaining a significant concern despite repeated repair efforts. Last year’s floods resulted in the tunnel’s closure for over a month due to waterlogging.

ALSO READ: PMO Responds To Demands Of Bundeli Community After They Fasted For 259 Days, Wrote 35 Letters In Blood

The PWD said that it had made adequate arrangements for drainage of water in the tunnel, such as seven sump wells and 16 motors of different capacities. But the system had failed at that time and the damaged painting has not been repaired yet.