₹2,600-Crore Ujjain–Garoth Highway Sinks For Second Time In 7 Months; 500-Metre Stretch To Be Rebuilt

The Ujjain-Garoth National Highway has sunk for the second time in just seven months, with a 500-metre stretch near the Dewas Road railway bridge experiencing subsidence due to a technical defect. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is now set to dismantle and reconstruct this affected portion of the highway, which cost around Rs 2,600 crore to build.

Following the discovery of a 200-metre section sinking on February 6, the entire problematic stretch is now undergoing reconstruction. Excavation work commenced on Monday, potentially delaying the highway's handover and the resumption of traffic. A video of construction materials collapsing near the bridge went viral two days ago, prompting questions about the highway's quality.

A technical inspection conducted by IIT Delhi found defects in a 100-200-metre section, leading authorities to decide on dismantling the entire 500-metre stretch for rebuilding. According to GVR senior engineer Amit Rai, the investigation identified technical issues, and the project, initially expected to be completed a year ago, remains unfinished.

Only two highway packages have been completed, while a 41-kilometre stretch between Chandesari and Kheda Khajuria is still pending, costing around Rs 900 crore and being constructed by GVR Construction. The reconstruction of the sunken section is now expected to further delay the project. The route holds particular significance due to the upcoming Simhastha Mahaparv-2028 festival.

NHAI Ujjain project director Shivam Sharma stated that the affected area is being reconstructed following a technical inspection to prevent recurrence. The department aims to resume traffic by March 31.