Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: NHAI blames drainage issues for road cave-in, acts against officials, contractor

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Thursday initiated disciplinary action over the recent road surface cave-in on the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor by issuing a show-cause notice to the project director, suspending key officials and seeking action against the contractor.

The action comes days after videos of the damaged stretch circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism over the condition of the recently inaugurated expressway.

NHAI issues notices, suspends officials

NHAI said it has issued a show-cause notice to the project director, fixing responsibility for the incident.


A separate notice has also been served to the authority engineer for alleged negligence. The authority has further issued a notice to the EPC contractor, asking why it should not be declared a non-performer and debarred from future NHAI projects.

The team leader of the authority engineer has been suspended, while the project manager of the EPC contractor has also been suspended.

NHAI explains cause of cave-in

Earlier, NHAI said the road surface cave-in at Km 55+480 on the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor occurred due to water stagnation following rainfall and constraints in commissioning the permanent cross-drainage system at the location.

According to the authority, the affected stretch was identified during routine patrolling on July 1 and repaired on priority to ensure safe and uninterrupted traffic movement.

Drainage work delayed by local issues

NHAI said the balancing culvert could not be commissioned because of resistance from local residents. It added that permanent slope protection and chute drain works remain incomplete due to a land dispute.

As an interim measure, the authority has started constructing a 1.5-km parallel drain and redesigning the drainage gradient until the permanent drainage system becomes operational.

NHAI said the site remains under continuous monitoring and that all necessary resources have been deployed to ensure safe and smooth traffic movement.

Congress attacks Centre over road condition

Earlier on Thursday, the Congress criticised the BJP, alleging that the corridor developed massive potholes within two months of its inauguration. The party also accused the Centre of poor construction quality and corruption in infrastructure projects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 213-km Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor on April 14, 2026. NHAI's latest action marks the beginning of disciplinary proceedings while work on permanent drainage infrastructure continues.