Sudden collapse of the median side vertical wall under construction at Cut & Cover section outside of Tunnel in Kota

Sudden collapse of the median side vertical wall under construction at Cut & Cover section outside of Tunnel in Kota

At approximately 12:15 midnight on dated 30.11.2024, a sudden collapse of the median side vertical wall occurred under “Construction of 8-lane Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (Tunnel) DME Package-15” at Cut & Cover section outside of Tunnel in Kota. The wall had been protected and stabilized with Shotcrete and rock bolts, as per the approved design drawings. Unfortunately, the collapse resulted in the burial of five (05) workers, including one (01) telehandler operator. The incident occurred during reinforcement binding activities, and it was observed that all workers were equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) i.e. Helmat, gumboot safety jacket & others.

Rescue efforts were immediately initiated, and four (04) workers were rescued from the debris.  Unfortunately, despite best efforts, one (01) worker succumbed to serious injuries could not be saved.

A penalty of Rs. 50 lacs has been imposed on Contractor M/s DilipBuildcon Ltd.–M/s Altis-Holding Corporation (DBL-AHC JV) and Show Cause Notice has been issued to Team Leader of Authority Engineer, M/s ICT in JV with M/s Hexa Co & in association with M/s Nokang Infra Pvt. Ltd for lapses on safety measures at their level, resulting said accident.

An investigation team of Domain experts comprising of Sh. S.K. Nirmal, DGRD – MoRTH (Retd.), Sh. A.K. Shrivastava, ADG – MoRTH (Retd.) & Sh. Alok Pandey, M/s Elegant Engg. Has been constituted. The committee will visit site on 02.12.2024 to ascertain the causes of incident happened and remedial measures to avoid such occurrence in future.

NHAI is taking all essential steps to ensure necessary remedial measures are taken to address the situation.