Morena: A road being built at a cost of Rs 3 crore in Morena district has begun peeling off even before construction is complete, raising concerns over the quality of work.
The nearly 4-km bitumen road connecting Hussainpura and Madhopura villages is being constructed by the Public Works Department (PWD). Villagers alleged that substandard materials were used, claiming the bitumen and gravel layer came loose with minimal pressure, exposing the soil beneath. They said videos of the damaged stretch had been sent to the authorities.
Residents alleged that the contractor failed to follow the prescribed construction process. According to them, the topsoil should have been removed, a gravel base laid and compacted with a roller before the bitumen surface was applied. They claimed the alleged lapses caused the road surface to deteriorate during construction.
The contractor said any defects found would be rectified but maintained that the road met the required standards. He added that the competitive nature of the sector left little room for profit margins.
PWD officials said the road would be inspected and any deficiencies corrected before completion. They added that payment would not be released for any work that failed to meet the prescribed quality standards.
