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The Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway, built under the Bharatmala Project, is an important economic corridor. It passes through Rajasthan and connects major regions for trade and transport. But recently, questions have been raised about the poor quality of construction on this expressway. Locals have complained that the road has sunk in many areas, is uneven, and is full of potholes, especially after the 2023 monsoon. At the same time, the government has shared full details about the construction quality, road safety issues, project cost, and compensation paid to landowners for road construction.
Road Quality Issues Observed After Monsoon
The stretch of the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway in Rajasthan was constructed as per Indian Road Congress (IRC) codes and prescribed standards. However, after traffic was allowed and the monsoon arrived in 2023, several parts of the road showed signs of damage. There were reports of sinking roads, potholes, and uneven surfaces.
To solve this issue, domain experts from IIT Kharagpur were asked to investigate. After their study, permanent repair works were recommended. The contractor carried out the repairs at their own cost as part of the 5-year maintenance obligation under the Defect Liability Period (DLP), as mentioned in the agreement.
Accident Investigations and Technical Review
Many people have asked if the poor road condition is leading to accidents. However, the geometric design of the entire highway was reviewed, and it was found to follow IRC guidelines strictly. All junctions and structures on the road are built for safe travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h.
Accidents on this route were investigated. It was found that most accidents were due to the fatigue and restlessness of drivers, especially those working long hours. So far, no major technical flaws have been found to be the main cause of these accidents.
Total Cost of Construction in Rajasthan
The total cost of constructing the Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor in Rajasthan is Rs. 15,797.71 crore. This includes both the construction costs and the cost of acquiring land from local farmers and landowners.
Land Compensation Given to Thousands of Landowners
One of the most important aspects of this project is land acquisition. Thousands of landowners across Rajasthan and parts of Haryana gave their land for this expressway. Compensation was given based on the National Highways Act, 1956, and the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013. Rates were also decided based on a state government notification from June 14, 2016.
Here is a district-wise breakdown of how many landholders received compensation and how much they were paid:
Haryana Districts
- Dabawali: 201 landholders received Rs. 38.25 crore
- Hanumangarh: 1601 landholders received Rs. 250.80 crore
- Sri Ganganagar: 688 landholders received Rs. 23.10 crore
Rajasthan Districts
- Bikaner: 10,677 landholders received Rs. 138.55 crore
- Jodhpur: 4,864 landholders received Rs. 165.27 crore
- Barmer: 2,841 landholders received Rs. 107.65 crore
- Jalore: 2,616 landholders received Rs. 185.47 crore
These figures show that the government has paid a large amount of money as compensation. Bikaner had the highest number of landholders (10,677), but Jalore received the highest compensation amount at Rs. 185.47 crore. Hanumangarh in Haryana also saw a high payout of Rs. 250.80 crore to 1,601 landowners.
While the expressway is expected to boost trade and reduce travel time, the issues of road quality and safety remain a concern. The government has taken steps to fix damaged sections and improve safety. The involvement of experts from IIT Kharagpur shows that serious attention is being given to the problem.
At the same time, thousands of landowners have been paid fair compensation based on legal guidelines. These landowners played a big role in making the project possible. As construction continues in other parts, people are hoping for better road quality and safer travel on this major national route.
