Balaghat Road Mess: 16 km Stretch Takes 8 Years, Naxalites to Contractor Corruption

• A 16 km road connecting Lanji and Birsa in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, took 8 years to build, despite an initial 6-month deadline.
• The project, under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, faced initial delays due to Naxalite threats and attacks on machinery and laborers.
• The first contractor, M/s Sanjay Agrawal, from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, was re-awarded the project after a legal challenge, despite initial slow progress and tender cancellation.
• Despite security forces pushing back Naxalites, the road's quality is now severely compromised, with gravel easily separating, indicating poor construction.
• Local 18 reported the issue to Collector Mrinal Meena, who has promised an investigation into the alleged corruption and substandard work.

Why It Matters: A crucial 16 km road in Balaghat, delayed by Naxalites, now faces corruption allegations over poor quality.