Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the grand Pragati Maidan Tunnel project on June 19, 2022. The tunnel was developed and opened to the public to reduce unnecessary traffic congestion on the road, offer convenient experiences, and connect Central, Southeast, and New Delhi. Unfortunately, the project has been facing different issues from the beginning and now it has come under the radar of the Public Works Department.
Is Pragati Maidan Tunnel Becoming Dangerous For Commuters?
Taking to the X (formerly Twitter) platform, mohit (@mohitj00) shared glimpses of driving in this tunnel in Delhi.
Driving in pragati maidan tunnel
#dtp#delhi traffic police pic.twitter.com/DqxHZSI3VU— mohit (@mohitj00) September 14, 2023
The project to build this tunnel was a massive one with a budget of ₹777 crore. Though it was a humongous project with a big budget and had many plans and aims for the public, the services provided by the tunnel are not up to the mark as expected from the Pragati Maidan Tunnel. Along with enhancing connectivity, another project goal was to make Bhairon Marg, Mathura Road, and Ring Road signal-free, according to a report by The Indian Express.
The project soon started becoming the talk of the town not for the development and infrastructure but mostly for all the conveniences it caused. One of the biggest problems that people have faced in the past is the issue of water seepage. The concerned authorities repaired the tunnel for quite some time but the results have always been similar.
Taking to the X (formerly Twitter) platform, the Indian Youth Congress (@IYC) shared a video of the tunnel covered in rainwater.
This is Pragati Maidan Tunnel, PM inaugurated this with pomp and show.
Now, is covered in the rainwater exposing their thousand crores advertisement. pic.twitter.com/5HxcAJyYQ1
— Indian Youth Congress (@IYC) July 1, 2022
Apart from water seepage, there is a horrible issue of proper drainage facilities as well. On top of all these, huge cracks are now visible on the concrete surfaces. It was just in 2023 when it was shut because of waterlogging during the season of heavy rainfall and floods. Many commuters travel through the Pragati Maidan Tunnel and sadly, it is now becoming a life threat for everyone.
Also read: G20 Summit Venue Delhi’s Pragati Maidan Exhibition Complex Gets A Stunning Makeover; Pics Inside
Public Works Department Issued A Notice
Man mohan Khera (@Manmohankhera1) shared a picture of a digital clock installed at the entry of the tunnel.
@LtGovDelhi @ArvindKejriwal @AtishiAAP @delhimuni @HardeepSPuri @delhimunici
Digital clock at the entry of Pragati Maindan Tunnel :-
The time has been set wrong in the digital click. It is 20 minute ahead of correct IST.
Need to set correct time in the clock. pic.twitter.com/rYp4hzeGI6
— Man mohan Khera (@Manmohankhera1) December 7, 2023
The tunnel project and the six underpasses are under scrutiny by the Public Works Department. The department has served a notice to Larsen and Toubro. This construction company was behind this tunnel project. For technical and design deficiencies, the company has been asked to deposit ₹500 crore.
Also read: PM Modi Inaugurates Pragati Maidan Tunnel In Delhi; Ensures Cleanliness & Picks Litter
What are your views on this?
Cover Image Courtesy: X (formerly Twitter)/ Indian Youth Congress (@IYC), X (formerly Twitter)/ mohit (@mohitj00)
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