A newly constructed state highway in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district was swept away by heavy rains before its official inauguration. The incident occurred in the Udaipurwati area, where the Katli River flows through Baghuli. Following a downpour that resulted in 86 mm of rainfall, the river’s water level rose significantly, leading to strong currents that eroded a substantial portion of the road.

The Katli River, known for its seasonal flow through the districts of Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Churu, has been subject to increasing encroachment. This has prompted state authorities to initiate efforts to clear illegal sand and gravel mining activities along its banks. Despite these measures, the recent heavy rains overwhelmed the river’s capacity, causing it to breach its banks and damage infrastructure.

Local residents from nearby villages such as Baghuli and Jahaj witnessed the dramatic event and captured videos of the road being washed away. These videos quickly circulated on social media, drawing attention to the incident. One video even showed an electric pole collapsing into the river as the road gave way.

The highway was completed six months ago with the purpose of connecting Baghuli and Jahaj to National Highway 52, facilitating access to Jhunjhunu and Sikar. However, Sunday’s destruction has sparked concerns regarding the quality of construction materials used for the project. In response, a team from the public works department is expected to conduct an inspection and provide a detailed report on the incident.

This event highlights ongoing challenges related to infrastructure development in areas prone to natural events such as heavy rainfall. It also underscores the importance of ensuring robust construction standards to withstand environmental pressures.