To resolve Pragati Maidan tunnel seepage, PWD forms expert panel

In February, the PWD issued a notice to L&T for “design flaws”, “serious technical and design deficiencies” and a “potential threat to the life of passengers” utilising the Pragati Maidan tunnel and underpasses daily. It also asked L&T —which executed the project — to deposit Rs 500 crore.

Officials said L&T has submitted a method statement and proposal in the ITPO tunnel leakage matter. “The expert group shall examine the method statement and proposal submitted by the M/s L&T relating to leakage notices in ITPO tunnel. The group also shall examine original design and its workmanship,” said the department in an office memorandum.

The committee has been asked to submit its report in 30 days.

An L&T spokesperson had earlier said, “a counterclaim of Rs 500 crore has been made by the company against PWD, Delhi.”

Water seepage has been a persistent problem despite several repairs being undertaken. During the floods last year, the tunnel was closed for over a month owing to waterlogging.
The tunnel and five underpasses were inaugurated in 2022 with a key aim to provide hassle-free and seamless connectivity between Central, Southeast and New Delhi, and making the city’s busy routes — Bhairon Marg, Ring Road and Mathura Road — signal-free. The project cost Rs 777 crore. It has run into trouble ever since.