Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Cave-In: NHAI Explains Why Road Collapsed Near Shamli After Heavy Rain
A section of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway caved in near Shamli after overnight rain, sparking safety concerns. NHAI said localized waterlogging and an incomplete drainage connection caused the road surface to collapse and added that the damaged stretch has now been repaired.
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A section of the newly built Delhi-Dehradun Expressway caved in near Shamli on Wednesday after overnight rainfall, triggering concerns over the quality of the flagship infrastructure project. Videos of the damaged stretch quickly went viral on social media, with many questioning how the road suffered damage just months after becoming operational.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said the damaged section has since been repaired and clarified that the cave-in occurred at Gogwan Jalalpur village in Shamli due to localized water stagnation and issues with the site's cross-drainage system.
Newly Built Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Caves in Near Shamli
12 हजार करोड़ रुपए से बने वर्ल्ड क्लास दिल्ली–देहरादून एक्सप्रेस वे को देख लीजिए। बरसाती सीजन शुरू होते ही गड्ढे बन गए हैं। गाड़ियों को नुकसान पहुंच रहा है। इसी 14 अप्रैल को PM नरेंद्र मोदी ने उदघाटन किया था। pic.twitter.com/dTM9fc7cYI
— Sachin Gupta (@Sachingupta) July 2, 2026
Why Did The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Collapse?
According to NHAI, a culvert had already been constructed to carry rainwater from the expressway. However, the drainage system could not be connected because of resistance from local residents.
The authority said villagers have instead been using the culvert opening as a vehicular crossing, preventing the intended cross-drainage arrangement from becoming operational. Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi: Route, Travel Time, Toll and Key Features.
"As a result, rainwater accumulated along the carriageway during heavy rainfall, leading to the road surface cave-in," NHAI said in a statement.
Land Dispute Delayed Permanent Drainage Work
NHAI also said permanent slope protection and chute drain works at the location are still pending because of an ongoing land-related arbitration dispute.
To prevent similar incidents, the authority has started constructing an interim parallel drain measuring around 1.5 kilometres. It is also redesigning the drainage gradient to safely channel rainwater until the balancing culvert becomes operational. Mumbai Man Dies After Falling Into Open Manhole During Drainage Maintenance in Sakinaka (Watch Video).
About The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway
Built at a cost of around INR 12,000 crore, the 213-km Delhi-Dehradun Expressway was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14. The corridor has reduced travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from around 6.5 hours to nearly 2.5 hours.
Designed for speeds of up to 100 kmph, the expressway connects with the Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Katra and Delhi-Meerut expressways through the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways. It will also provide future connectivity to the Gorakhpur-Shamli Expressway and the Haridwar Spur.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2026 05:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
