Chhattisgarh Road Scam: Newly Built NH-43 Stretch Crumbles Within 48 Hours, JCB Rolls In to Rip It Apart

Raipur: A major road construction scam has come to light in Pathalgaon, located in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district, after a newly laid stretch of NH-43 began disintegrating merely 48 hours after completion. Following intense protests by local BJP leaders and residents, the road was forcibly removed using a JCB machine in the presence of senior officials. The incident has raised serious concerns over corruption, misuse of public funds, and the suspicious silence of the opposition.

Public Money Goes to Waste

The incident unfolded when locals noticed the newly asphalted road peeling off with minimal pressure. Outraged BJP workers and citizens launched a protest, accusing the contractor and concerned authorities of blatant corruption.

BJP City Mandal President Ankit Bansal condemned the incident, saying:
“If roads constructed with taxpayers’ money cannot last even 48 hours, it is nothing short of a criminal wastage of public funds.”

The protest forced departmental officials to reach the spot for an on-the-site inspection.

Poor-Quality Materials Confirmed

A preliminary inquiry by the National Highway Department confirmed the use of poor-quality materials. Officials admitted that the construction standards were violated from the very beginning. In response, the asphalt layer was immediately stripped off with a JCB while officers supervised the operation.

Locals welcomed the move, stating that such actions serve as a reminder that public vigilance is essential to ensure government accountability.

Opposition’s Silence Raises Eyebrows

Amid the controversy, a new debate has emerged regarding the opposition’s unusual silence. Many residents questioned why parties that frequently raise concerns over development issues remained inactive on a matter involving public interest and state infrastructure.

NH Department SDO Ugarsen Nayak confirmed the findings, stating:
“The construction material used was of substandard quality. The defective layer has been removed, and the road will be re-laid strictly as per standards.”

A Wake-Up Call for Transparency

The incident has triggered widespread anger among citizens and renewed demands for strict monitoring of public works. With evidence of corruption now in full public view, people are urging the government to take stringent action against the contractor and ensure such lapses do not recur.