Hemani Kandhari
26 August, 2026: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has carried out a detailed technical examination into the incident reported on August 25 during construction of the elevated corridor under Package 15 of the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway at Village Jakh, Tehsil Vijaypur, District Samba.
Following the incident, NHAI constituted an expert examination involving three specialists with extensive experience in the field. The team inspected the site and examined all aspects of the techno-mechanical failure involving the sophisticated launching gantry, along with the relevant design details and sequence of construction operations.
Prima facie, the incident appears to have occurred due to a technical snag during the launching operation. A detailed examination is continuing to determine the precise cause of the incident and to identify the necessary corrective and preventive measures.
The family of the deceased worker has been suitably compensated, while the company has also provided employment to the next of kin. NHAI stated that although such assistance cannot compensate for the loss, it has been extended in solidarity with the affected family.
NHAI reiterated that the safety of manpower engaged at project sites and highway users remains its highest priority. Labour and staff deployed at construction sites are provided prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), while regular safety briefings and toolbox sessions are conducted to reinforce safe working practices.
Work-zone safety measures are implemented in accordance with applicable IRC guidelines, with continuous efforts to minimise risks and maintain a safe working environment. NHAI said that despite these precautions, unforeseen incidents may occasionally occur during complex construction activities, and the Authority continues to strengthen safety protocols, monitoring and preventive measures with the objective of reducing accidents to zero.
Ish Gupta, Project Director, NHAI, PIU Udhampur, said that as an additional safety assurance mechanism, IIT Jammu has been engaged to undertake independent construction-stage safety audits of NHAI projects in the region. These audits are conducted quarterly, and observations and recommendations arising from them are taken up for prompt compliance at project sites.
Gupta further stated that NHAI remains committed to continuously strengthening safety practices, closely monitoring compliance and achieving the objective of zero accidents through proactive risk identification, corrective action and preventive measures.
