Locals in Himachal Pradesh demand action against company over ‘substandard’ work
MANDI (Munish Sood)
Questions are being raised about the alleged poor quality of work by KMC, the company responsible for the construction of the four-lane national highway from Nagchala to Pandoh on the Chandigarh-Manali four-lane project in Himachal Pradesh.
The latest controversy surrounds the poor surfacing work carried out by the company, which began deteriorating just 15 days after it was completed. The road started breaking apart the day after the surfacing was laid, exposing the shocking state of the company’s operations.
The situation has now escalated, with potholes growing larger by the day. Commuters and Pandoh residents have expressed outrage over the wastage of public funds on what they describe as substandard work.
The crumbling road has become a hazard for two-wheeler riders, who are frequently involved in accidents and sustaining injuries.
Areas near Navodaya School, Army Camp most affected
The problem is widespread, with similar issues reported on the stretch from Mandi to Pandoh. Particularly concerning are areas near Navodaya School and the Army Camp, where numerous potholes have developed.
The high-speed traffic typical of four-lane roads encounters these potholes unexpectedly, leading to significant vehicle damage and safety risks.
Adding to the danger, loose gravel from the deteriorated surfacing has accumulated along the roadside, further increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Local residents have demanded an immediate investigation into the matter and called for stringent action against KMC for compromising the safety of commuters.
Questions raised about final surfacing work
The surfacing in question was supposed to be the final layer of the construction. However, the rapid deterioration has exposed the alleged poor quality of materials used by KMC.
This is not an isolated incident as similar issues have been observed across the entire stretch of the highway. Despite repeated failures, KMC continues to function unchecked, raising serious concerns about its accountability.
The residents have now appealed to the Himachal Pradesh government to intervene and ensure that strict action is taken against KMC’s management.
NHAI’s silence under fire
The inaction of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also drawn sharp criticism. Despite KMC’s repeated delays and evident lapses in quality, the NHAI has confined itself to issuing notices to the company, which many view as mere formalities. No concrete action has been taken to address the persistent problems.
Angry residents have questioned the NHAI’s role, alleging that its lack of enforcement has allowed KMC to continue delivering substandard work. They are now demanding accountability from NHAI and urging immediate corrective measures.
KMC assures of carrying out repairs
In response to the criticism, KMC Project Manager Satya acknowledged the problem, admitting that the surfacing has deteriorated in certain areas.
He assured the public that necessary repairs would be carried out promptly. Satya also confirmed that the surfacing was indeed the final layer and pledged to address all shortcomings without delay.
