The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans for a safety audit of over two dozen tunnels currently under construction. This is in response to the recent tunnel collapse in the Himalayas, where 41 construction workers were trapped. The government revealed on Wednesday that NHAI, a federal body responsible for building and managing national highways, will conduct the safety assessment to ensure the highest quality standards and construction safety.
The rescue operation has been underway in the mountainous Uttarakhand state since the 4.5-km (3-mile) tunnel collapsed on November 12, with authorities yet to determine the cause. The region’s susceptibility to landslides, earthquakes, and floods raises concerns about the safety of the construction projects.
Environmental experts have questioned the ongoing construction spree, expressing worries about potential damage to the delicate Himalayan ecosystem. The government, addressing these concerns, stated, “To ensure safety and adherence to the highest quality standards during construction, NHAI will undertake a safety audit of all 29 under construction tunnels across the country.”
NHAI officials, in collaboration with representatives from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, are set to inspect the ongoing tunnel projects and submit a comprehensive report within seven days. This initiative encompasses the examination of 12 tunnels in Himachal Pradesh, six in the Jammu and Kashmir region, and the remaining in various states, including Uttarakhand.
