Settlement On NH-32 Main Carriageway In Tamil Nadu

09 Apr 2026 CW Team

An incident of settlement on the main carriageway was reported on the four-lane Poondiyankuppam to Sattanathapuram section of NH-32 in Tamil Nadu on six April 2026, affecting the right-hand side carriageway at Vallampadugai village in Cuddalore district near the reinforced soil wall approach of a light vehicular underpass at km 105.2 on the Kollidam bypass. The stretch has been open since March 2024. Routine inspections on 20 and 21 March 2026 had not revealed any cracks or bulging.

On four April 2026 the concessionaire observed cracks in the pavement quality concrete along with a settlement of approximately 100 millimetres over a stretch of about 30 metres on the right-hand side of the main carriageway and immediate rectification began the following day with replacement of affected panels. During rectification a further one metre settlement was noticed at about twelve thirty in the morning on six April 2026.

The site was inspected by the NHAI project director at around two thirty in the morning on six April 2026 and inspection revealed bulging, cracking and horizontal displacement of the reinforced soil wall blocks over an approximate length of 50 metres and displacement of the wing wall of the box culvert. Currently the settlement of the right-hand side carriageway is assessed to be approximately two point five metres with horizontal movement still developing and heaving and cracking of adjoining ground also observed.

Traffic has been completely diverted and user fee collection at Kothattai Fee Plaza was suspended from 12:50 PM on six April 2026. The National Highways Authority of India is closely monitoring the situation and experts have reached the site to undertake detailed technical investigations. The root cause appears to be foundation failure due to poor bearing capacity and Show Cause Notices have been issued to the concessionaire and the independent engineer while remedial measures will be implemented on priority to restore normal traffic operations.

Infrastructure Urban

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