The newly constructed Ram Van Gaman Path in Uttar Pradesh has developed cracks and sunken portions at several locations near Shringverpur Dham in Prayagraj, raising concerns over the condition of the road before its planned inauguration.
The road is part of a ₹4,400 crore four-lane corridor being developed between Ayodhya and Chitrakoot. The affected stretch connects the Lucknow road towards the Ganga bridge and has reportedly developed visible damage within the project area. Traffic on the affected section has been stopped following the appearance of cracks and settlement.
The Ram Van Gaman Path is planned as a major road connection between several religious and historical locations in Uttar Pradesh. The approximately 210-km corridor passes through or connects Ayodhya, Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Shringverpur Dham, Kaushambi and Chitrakoot.
The project was formally launched in 2022 and was originally targeted for completion by December 2024. However, construction has continued beyond the original schedule.
Road Develops Cracks And Settlement
Reports of damage at Shringverpur have raised questions about the condition of the road as the project approaches completion. A ground inspection reportedly identified damage extending across around 500 metres of the four-lane road.
The reported damage includes cracks and sunken portions on both carriageways. The approach to the Ganga bridge has also reportedly tilted, while some sections of the road have experienced significant settlement.
Such defects can affect the serviceability of a newly constructed highway and may require investigation before the road is opened for regular traffic. The extent and underlying causes of the settlement will need to be established through technical inspection.
Authorities have issued a notice to the contractor seeking an explanation for the damage. Officials have attributed the deterioration to rainfall and said repair work will be undertaken.
Ganga Bridge Forms Part Of The Corridor
The Shringverpur section has added importance because a six-lane bridge of approximately 1,200 metres is being constructed across the Ganga as part of the connectivity plan.
The bridge is intended to connect areas across the Ganga with Kaushambi and subsequently provide connectivity towards Chitrakoot. The road and bridge together are expected to improve movement between important religious and historical destinations in the region.
The condition of the road approaches is therefore significant for the overall performance of the corridor. Settlement near a bridge approach can require detailed assessment of the embankment, subgrade, drainage and pavement layers to determine the cause and appropriate remedial measures.
Questions Over Construction Quality
The appearance of cracks and settlement before inauguration has brought construction quality into focus. While rainfall can contribute to pavement deterioration and soil-related settlement, the specific cause of the damage would depend on site conditions and construction details.
Possible factors that may need examination include the quality and compaction of embankment material, drainage arrangements, subgrade conditions, pavement construction and the transition between the road embankment and bridge approach.
A technical investigation can establish whether the reported defects are related to localised ground conditions, water infiltration, inadequate compaction or other construction-related factors.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, commenting on the damage before the inauguration, said, “If a road is constructed, it may sink, and once it does, it will be rebuilt. This is a common occurrence.”
The authorities are expected to undertake repairs before the affected section is opened. The incident also highlights the need for inspection and quality checks during highway construction, particularly for long corridors involving bridges, embankments and areas exposed to varying ground and rainfall conditions.
With the Ram Van Gaman Path intended to serve as an important connection between Ayodhya and Chitrakoot, the repair and technical assessment of the damaged section will be closely watched as the project moves towards completion.
