Congress criticizes BJP govt after Cracks emerge on India's first light and soundproof highway

Digital Desk: India's first light and soundproof elevated road, which passes through the Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni, developed large cracks due to continuous rainfall. A 200-meter part of the two-lane elevated road had to be closed due to the crack, which could be seen in both the center and on the sides of the elevated road resulting in traffic congestion.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated this elevated highway two years ago, which was constructed for Rs 960 crores.

The section of the road that has developed cracks passes through the buffer zone of the Pench Tiger Reserve. This elevated length was built to facilitate the movement of wildlife in the Pench Tiger Reserve without disturbing them due to the noise and lights of passing vehicles. To accomplish this, a four-meter-high steel wall with sound barriers and headlight reducers has been built along both sides of the four-lane road.

The Congress raised questions regarding the quality of the construction.

Congress District President Rajkumar Khurana stated, "This is yet another obvious example of a government project marred by corruption. Within just three years, the road constructed by Dilip Buildcon, a project supported by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan started to deteriorate. Everyone in the government, including Gadkari Ji, praised this road as one of Asia's finest roads."