Portion of Pune-Bengaluru national highway collapses near Belagavi

A portion of the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48) collapsed near Nippani in Belagavi district of Karnataka on July 29, 2026. The incident occurred during ongoing expansion work aimed at converting the highway into a six-lane road. Local MLA Shashikala Jolle visited the site and criticized the quality of the construction, vowing to escalate concerns to Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirmed that vehicle traffic was unaffected due to diversions along the service road. The collapse took place at the under-construction approach of a Light Vehicular Underpass (LVUP) on the Sankeshwar Bypass section, close to the Maharashtra border. According to NHAI officials, the affected area was part of the sub-grade layer, with only partial completion of the Dry Lean Concrete (DLC). The Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) had not yet been laid. Heavy rainfall contributed to the incident, causing water to seep through the unfinished sub-grade and leading to the erosion of a 7–10 meter stretch of the embankment. NHAI released a statement clarifying that the collapse did not affect the main carriageway, which remained open for traffic. Motorists had been redirected via the service road since the start of the construction phase. The authority emphasized that restoration efforts were underway to repair the damaged embankment and continue work on the carriageway. Officials from the NHAI’s regional office confirmed that the situation was being addressed with priority. Local resident Uday Kinjwadkar shared images of the collapsed side wall and eroded embankment on social media, drawing attention to the incident. His posts prompted further scrutiny of the construction progress and safety measures. The NHAI reiterated that the damage was limited to the under-construction approach embankment and posed no threat to the existing route. However, the incident raised questions about the adequacy of infrastructure and the management of such large-scale projects. The Pune-Bengaluru National Highway has been undergoing expansion for over two years. The project involves widening the road from four lanes to six, aiming to improve connectivity and reduce congestion. The work includes constructing underpasses, improving drainage systems, and reinforcing the roadbed. Despite these efforts, the recent collapse highlights potential vulnerabilities in the execution of such ambitious infrastructure developments. Shashikala Jolle, who represents the region in the state assembly, voiced her concerns about the standard of workmanship. She accused contractors and authorities of negligence and called for immediate action to ensure the safety of workers and travelers. Her remarks have drawn support from local residents, many of whom expressed frustration over delays and perceived lack of oversight. The MLA plans to submit a formal complaint to the central government, urging swift intervention. NHAI officials have assured the public that the necessary repairs will be completed promptly. They emphasized that all construction activities adhere to technical guidelines and safety protocols. Nevertheless, the incident has sparked discussions about the need for stricter monitoring mechanisms and more transparent communication with stakeholders. Engineers and experts are being consulted to assess whether additional precautions should be taken in similar projects. The collapse has also brought attention to the broader issue of infrastructure maintenance in rapidly developing regions. As urbanization accelerates, the demand for improved transportation networks grows, placing pressure on agencies responsible for planning and execution. Critics argue that while investment in new projects is increasing, the focus on maintaining existing structures often lags behind. This imbalance could lead to more incidents unless addressed proactively. As the investigation continues, the NHAI has pledged to provide regular updates on the status of repairs and the overall progress of the Pune-Bengaluru highway expansion. Meanwhile, engineers are examining the site to determine the exact cause of the erosion and to recommend preventive measures for future phases of the project. The outcome of this review will influence how similar works are managed nationwide.