Rock netting put up as a protection against rock slide on the mountain-side of the National Highway 29 between Chümoukedima to Kukidolong stretch. (Morung Photo)
Report from joint survey on Dimapur-Kohima NH-29 4-lane construction
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 6
Against the backdrop of the tragic rockslide incident on the Dimapur-Kohima NH-29 which killed two person and injured three others, it has emerged that numerous glaring concerns on quality, design and execution of NH- 29 Dimapur-Kohima highway were pointed out in a report of a joint survey undertaken on March 27, 2023, which however was apparently ignored by the National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL).
The DC Chümoukedima in an official memo to the GM (P) NHIDCL dated 28 March, 2023 on the spot verification of Dimapur-Kohima 4 Lane package I & II had observed that the survey presented an “abysmal first impression” citing questionable engineering, sub-standard construction material, committed or omitted connivance of the authority towards the unacceptable quality of works done by contractors, design and construction of various elements that don’t augur well with common sense, poor workmanship, lack of prudent and sincere monitoring of work.
Towards this, it had directed the NHIDCL to submit the approved design & drawing for rock netting and rock barrier along with design calculation for each location where these safety measures have been taken by the EPC contractor.
The DC also sought the approved plan and profile along with cross section of Dimapur-Kohima road package 1 & 2; approved design and construction drawing of median kerb approved design and construction drawing of road side PCC and cover drains; approved plan and details of safety sign board as per IRC specifications and standards for road safety and details/number of boards installed by the EPC contractor; approved drawing of crash barrier; and the numbers of crash barrier proposed chainage wise.
The DC had in the letter impressed upon the GM (P), NHIDCL that the matter be considered ‘Grave and Urgent.’
However, in the response memo dated March 29, 2023, the GM (P), NHIDCL PMU-Dimapur instead stated that there is no such arrangements existing for sharing of technical documents, and if so required, the issue be deliberated at appropriate level by obtaining prior approval of competent authority.
The GM also sought to cite reference to an earlier G-20 review meeting dated March 13, 2023 chaired by the Chief Secretary during which in response to query raised by the chair on the preparedness level of highway works, it was informed that “the road is in good and trafficable condition and most issues are resolved.”
Meanwhile, the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer-I PWD, National Highways Division-I Dimapur also in its site observation report submitted to the DC Chümoukedima on May 8, cited several irregularities such as poor quality of concrete works in the median, lack of proper drainage at several locations and no continuity, several mud and rock slides at various locations on the hill as well as valley side, improper mitigation works, reconstruction of crash barriers and more regulatory and cautionary signages.
Concerns highlighted in the joint inspection report of March 27 on quality, design and execution of work include:
Improper iron bars used for drains
Selection of the diameter of iron bar and the sparse knitting of the same did not appear proper for the drain of the National Highway. “When the engineer of the NHIDCL was asked about the general guidelines for iron bars in such a project, he refused to answer and instead asserted that he shall need to ask from his GM and superiors to answer that,” stated the report.
Compromised quality for crash barriers
The team also found compromised quality used for the crash barriers, while in some critical places, crash barriers were missing and the foundation of nearly all the crash barriers were found to be missing.
Yet again, there was no clarity of response in the number of crash barriers that are approved for the NH-29 Package 1&2, stated the report adding “their reluctance was obvious,” while the GM NHIDCL refused to provide the technical details.
“It becomes a matter of concern as to how much safety would such structures provide in case of any accident. It becomes important to refer to the approved plan to know whether this is by plan of by omission,” the report stated.
Culverts in poor shape
The survey also noted that the culverts were found to be in bad shape indicating the poor quality of material used; while the iron bars used were of questionable dimension “therefore the suspicion of substandard material and connivance to poor quality of work cannot be over-ruled.”
Medians without foundations
“One very peculiar problem observed during the joint inspection was the absence of the foundation in the median. Several medians besides having been poorly made with questionable construction material were found to be just laid over the top of the road like bird droppings,” stated the report.
Ironically, it also found that at several locations, medians were found to be laid over the top of the bitumen with no foundation, which has been provided with photographs and video evidences by the survey team.
Cracks, patchwork and breaking road
With several cracks, patchwork and breaking roads found in the ‘young road,’ as stated in the report, resulting in uncomfortable and bumpy ride, the report shared concerns on the poor quality of concrete mix used, unstable sub strata of the road, poor drainage water retention and poor design that prevents water from draining.
Poor drainage system
“Instances of poor drains, clogging, incompletion and the entire drain plan is overwhelming” the report stated, adding “when we combine the topic of drain and culverts in all fairness this topic warrants a separate report.”
Indicating complete disappointment, the report stated “in the absence of technical details of the project this remains a calculation of imagination at best.”
Missing/irregular shoulder
Shoulder alongside the road was found to be missing while the shoulder between road and median were found missing at several places. “This appears to be a major inconsistency since the shoulders are to take the water on road into the drains,” the report stated.
Weakened/broken breast wall
At several places, the retaining wall/breast walls were found cracked, weakened and broken, and recommendations were made to look into the reasons behind this early weakening of the breast walls, since the construction is recent.
While at many places the retaining wall is found to be sturdy and robust, the report suggested detailed inquiry on the difference between the two kinds of retaining wall; whether this is due to some extreme condition or due to compromised material quality, and also to check whether weep holes are open or clogged.
