Prayagraj-Lucknow Highway: Heavy Rain Triggers Sudden Road Collapse Near Nawabganj; Locals Raise Safety Concerns

A section of the Prayagraj-Lucknow highway suddenly caved in near Barai Ka Purwa in the Nawabganj area on Monday morning, triggering panic among commuters after a deep crater opened up beneath the road. Fortunately, no motorcycles or four-wheelers were passing through the spot when the collapse occurred, averting a potentially serious accident.

The road is part of NH-30, which was being converted into a four-lane highway between Lucknow and Prayagraj. Around a year ago, construction work on the highway was accelerated in view of the Maha Kumbh Mela.

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Road Collapses After Heavy Rain

According to local villagers, a deep pit had existed near Barai Ka Purwa during the construction work. They alleged that instead of properly filling and sealing the pit, the road was temporarily covered with asphalt.

Amid heavy rains, water had accumulated in the cavity below the road, which in turn had moved the ground away. On Monday morning, due to the eroded ground, the section collapsed, and a deep crater became visible under the road. 

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Locals Raise Safety Concerns

Locals were furious, alleging a temporary solution had been made to fix the pit. The collapsed pit could have proven to be a major tragedy if a speeding vehicle was passing through the particular stretch at the moment. 

The NH project manager was seen at the accident site more than six hours after the incident. Following an examination, he assured locals that the work would be done at the earliest.