Cracks, craters and costly repairs mar major highway projects

Video posted on social media shows a large crater on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh. The footage also captures fresh cracks that appeared after recent repairs and a flooded toll plaza. A carpet was seen covering part of the cave‑in, prompting questions about the extent of the damage (SOURCE1).

The Ganga Expressway is a ₹36,000‑crore project. The scale of the damage has led to speculation about the adequacy of drainage and maintenance after heavy rain .

An Instagram reel highlights a contractor’s claim that a similar road could have been built for around ₹50 lakh, while the reported cost of the project is nearly ₹9 crore. The post argues that such a disparity calls for investigation into construction standards and accountability .

Another newly constructed stretch, the Ram Van Gaman Path in Prayagraj, was built at an estimated cost of ₹4,400 crore. Videos posted by users show cracks and sections of the road sinking before the official inauguration .

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya reportedly remarked, “Sadak banegi to dhasegi, dhasegi to banegi,” implying that the road would repeatedly need rebuilding . The incident has sparked debate over the quality of work and the management of public money.

Public reaction

• Social‑media users expressed frustration over the apparent waste of taxpayer funds.
• Comments questioned whether proper oversight was in place during construction.
• Calls for transparent investigations were repeated across platforms.

Official records

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) maintains a portal for tenders and notices related to infrastructure projects in the Mumbai and Raigad region. While the portal lists numerous projects, it does not contain specific details about the Ganga Expressway or the Ram Van Gaman Path incidents .

Given the high financial outlay for these highways, the visible damage has amplified public concern. Stakeholders are urging authorities to review construction practices, ensure proper drainage, and adopt measures that prevent similar failures in future projects.