Potholes have appeared on a recently resurfaced stretch of the Uttarkashi-Lambgaon motor road, raising concerns about the quality of work carried out between Tiloth and Thalan-Manpur. The damage emerged only 15-20 days after the project was completed.
The Public Works Department (PWD), Bhattwari, carried out surfacing work along around 7 kilometres of the road at a cost of 60 lakh. However, the road surface has begun deteriorating at several locations soon after the work ended.
The most visible damage has been reported near the Tiloth-Kuteti side, where the surfacing work began. Large potholes have reportedly developed in parts of the newly treated section.
Residents seek quality inspection
The rapid deterioration has led local residents to question the materials used, compliance with prescribed standards and the overall quality of construction. They have alleged that the work was not completed according to required standards.
Residents have also called for an inspection of the work and the use of government funds. Their concerns focus on whether the newly laid surface can withstand normal traffic and why damage appeared so soon after completion.
The condition of the road has not been described as the result of a completed investigation. The questions raised by residents remain allegations until the work is formally examined by the relevant authorities.
PWD response
PWD Bhattwari Assistant Engineer Swaraj Chauhan said the asphalt had been damaged at some locations because vehicles began using the road immediately after surfacing.
Chauhan said instructions had been issued to the contractor to repair the damaged portions. a completion date for those repairs or details of any separate technical inspection is not yet available.
The next confirmed step is therefore the repair of the affected sections by the contractor. A formal assessment would be needed to establish whether the damage resulted from early traffic, construction materials, standards compliance or another cause.
Conclusion
A 7-kilometre road section resurfaced at a cost of 60 lakh has developed potholes within 15-20 days, prompting residents to demand a quality review. The PWD says the contractor has been directed to repair the damaged areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which road has developed potholes?
The affected stretch is on the Uttarkashi-Lambgaon motor road, between Tiloth and Thalan-Manpur.
Q. How long is the resurfaced section?
The PWD Bhattwari carried out work along around 7 kilometres of the road.
Q. How much did the surfacing work cost?
The work was carried out at an estimated cost of 60 lakh.
Q. How soon did the damage appear?
Potholes began appearing 15-20 days after the surfacing work was completed.
Q. Where has prominent damage been reported?
Large potholes have been reported particularly near the Tiloth-Kuteti side, where the work began.
Q. What have local residents demanded?
Residents have sought an inspection of the construction quality and the use of government funds.
Q. What has the PWD said about the damage?
Assistant Engineer Swaraj Chauhan said vehicles began using the road immediately after surfacing, causing asphalt to come off at some locations.
Q. What action has been ordered?
The contractor has been instructed to repair the damaged sections.
