Tunnel Work Resumes in Bhattakufar Under Watchful Eyes
Life in Bhattakufar came to a standstill last November when the ground beneath the bustling market suddenly gave way. A crater, nearly 12 feet deep and four feet wide, swallowed part of the connecting road, trapping a school bus and sparking panic among residents. Cracks in nearby houses and recurring subsidence only deepened the fear, with locals pointing fingers at the ongoing tunnel construction beneath their feet.
The tunnel, part of the ambitious Dhalli–Kaithalighat four-lane highway project, runs 33 metres below the surface. With nearly 500 metres already completed, the incident forced the district administration to halt all work and launch an inquiry.
Initial surveys hinted that vibrations from tunnelling might have triggered the collapse. But a detailed investigation by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) revealed a more complex picture: a leaking underground drinking water pipeline was the primary culprit, while construction vibrations added to the damage.
Armed with this report, the district administration has now allowed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its contractors to resume work — but under strict monitoring and with safety guidelines firmly in place. Officials have assured residents that every step will be regulated, with measures designed to protect homes, roads, and public infrastructure.
For the people of Bhattakufar, the restart of construction is not just about a highway project moving forward. It is about rebuilding trust, ensuring safety, and proving that development can coexist with community concerns.
