NHAI ATTRIBUTES ROAD CRACK TO HEAVY TRUCK MOVEMENT

NHAI ATTRIBUTES ROAD CRACK TO HEAVY TRUCK MOVEMENT

6-JULY-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------Amid growing public concern over cracks and patchwork on the Ara–Buxar section of National Highway-922, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has clarified that the issues are primarily due to sustained heavy traffic and the natural characteristics of concrete pavements, rather than any construction defects.

In a detailed interaction, Vivek Kumar Singh, Project Manager of the road construction company PNC, explained that cracks on concrete roads are a common occurrence and are being addressed as per the standards prescribed by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC).

According to Singh, only about 7 kilometres of the nearly 90-kilometre-long highway have developed cracks, while the rest of the stretch is performing satisfactorily.

He attributed the damage mainly to the high volume of sand-laden heavy trucks plying the corridor, particularly between Koilwar and Buxar. Due to traffic restrictions and no-entry timings, these overloaded trucks often remain stationary for long periods on the highway and bridges, putting continuous pressure on the concrete surface. Water dripping from the trucks has also contributed to localised deterioration.

"The cracks do not indicate structural failure. Concrete pavements naturally develop such cracks over time, similar to the minor cracks that appear on a freshly cast concrete roof," Singh explained.

He emphasised that NHAI is not resorting to temporary patchwork. Depending on the severity of the cracks, engineers are implementing one of three repair techniques, including stapling — a permanent solution in which steel reinforcement bars are inserted to strengthen the affected concrete. All repair works are being carried out strictly in accordance with IRC specifications.

Addressing viral videos on social media showing damaged road stretches, Singh said many of the clips were recorded while repair work was already underway. "Only the affected portions under repair were highlighted and circulated. These videos do not reflect the overall condition of the highway," he noted. He also pointed out that despite the online criticism, no formal complaints had been received directly by NHAI.

On the issue of missing greenery along the highway, Singh informed that NHAI has planted 25,000 avenue trees along the roadside and 60,000 plants in the median of the Ara–Buxar four-lane corridor. Some saplings dried up due to extreme summer heat, while fruit-bearing plants were uprooted at certain locations. Replantation and regular maintenance work are being carried out continuously.

Singh assured that all pending repair works on the affected stretches will be completed within the next two months. Routine maintenance activities, including grass cutting, plantation upkeep, emergency ambulance services, and continuous monitoring of the highway, are also being undertaken to ensure safe and smooth travel for commuters.