Bhagalpur: Munger DM Nikhil Dhanraj Nippanikar has constituted a fact-finding committee to probe cracks spanning around 14 metres on a section of the under-construction Munger-Mirzachowki four-lane highway near the 97-km mark between Ghorghat and Gangania. The cracks have appeared across four road panels, and soil erosion has also been reported along the highway’s flanks.The issue came to light after videos and images of the damaged stretch went viral on social media, triggering concerns over the quality of construction of the strategically important road linking Munger and Bhagalpur with Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region.According to officials, cracks have developed in four road panels, each measuring about 3.5 metres. Soil erosion along the sides of the highway has also been reported.Confirming the development, the DM said the administration received information about the cracks and immediately alerted National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials. He said the committee has been asked to ascertain the cause and submit its report at the earliest.NHAI project director Manish Kumar, who inspected the site, said a preliminary assessment points to soil subsidence and roadside erosion caused by recent rains. “Prima facie, the cracks appear to have developed after soil beneath the road settled due to heavy rainfall, leading to panel damage,” he said.Kumar said the affected portion would be dismantled and rebuilt in accordance with technical standards. He added that the construction agency has been directed to conduct a detailed technical investigation and take corrective measures to prevent any recurrence.Local residents expressed concern that continued movement of heavy vehicles could worsen the damage if repairs are not carried out promptly.The nearly 125-km highway project, estimated to cost around Rs 4,000 crore, is yet to be formally handed over by the construction agency and has not been inaugurated. The incident has also drawn political criticism, with opposition leaders questioning the quality of infrastructure projects in the state.
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