Tragedy struck the under-construction Delhi-Mumbai Expressway on Sunday when a section of a tunnel near Kota, Rajasthan, collapsed, claiming the life of one worker and injuring three others. The incident occurred in the Modak police station area during the night between Saturday and Sunday, sending shockwaves through the infrastructure project and raising serious questions about safety measures.
According to Kota Rural Superintendent of Police Sujit Shankar, a portion of the 4.9-km green overpass tunnel, situated beneath the hills of the Mukundra Tiger Reserve, caved in. The victim, identified as 33-year-old Shamsher Singh from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, was trapped under the debris. He was swiftly rescued and transported to a community health center, but unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries. Three other laborers escaped with minor injuries and were discharged on Sunday morning.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ram Kalyan Meena, overseeing the rescue operation, explained that four laborers were working when a section of the tunnel’s sidewall collapsed. While three managed to escape, one was unfortunately trapped. Shamsher Singh’s body has been kept in a mortuary pending the arrival of his family members and a subsequent post-mortem examination. A case will be registered based on the findings of the post-mortem report, stated Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ghanshyam Meena.
This tragic event underscores the inherent risks involved in large-scale infrastructure projects. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), responsible for the expressway’s construction, will undoubtedly face intense scrutiny regarding the safety protocols in place at the construction site. A thorough investigation is warranted to determine the exact cause of the collapse and to implement necessary preventative measures to avert future tragedies.
Adding to the somber news, a separate incident on Friday morning claimed the lives of a couple traveling on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Their vehicle lost control and overturned in Alwar district. Their two-year-old child and four other relatives sustained injuries in the accident. The victims were residents of Sonipat, Haryana, en route to the Mehandipur Balaji temple in Dausa. This second incident further highlights the importance of safe driving practices and road safety measures along the newly constructed expressway.
The combined impact of these incidents serves as a grim reminder of the potential hazards associated with large-scale infrastructure projects and the importance of prioritizing worker safety and robust road safety measures. The ongoing investigation into the tunnel collapse is crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safe completion of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
