A newly constructed state highway in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district has been washed away due to heavy rainfall, just before its scheduled inauguration. The incident occurred in the Baghuli area of Udaipurwati, where the Katli River's water level rose significantly following heavy rains on Sunday. The strong currents overwhelmed the newly built road, causing substantial damage and disrupting connectivity.

The highway, which was built only six months ago, connected the villages of Baghuli and Jahaj to National Highway 52. The destruction of this vital link has frustrated locals, who now face difficulties in accessing essential services and nearby towns. Videos of the damaged road have been widely shared online, raising concerns about the quality of construction and the need for improved infrastructure planning in flood-prone areas.

According to reports, the area received 86mm of rain, which led to the Katli River overflowing and washing away not only the road but also a nearby electric pole. The incident has sparked questions about the durability of roads built in such regions and whether adequate measures were taken to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding.

Local authorities are now assessing the extent of the damage and investigating the causes of the road's failure. The focus is on determining what went wrong during the construction phase and what steps need to be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. This includes evaluating the design and materials used, as well as the overall suitability of the location for a major road.

In light of the recent event, there is a growing call for better river management and improved construction practices in flood-prone areas. This may involve building roads on elevated structures with culverts and pillars to avoid waterlogging, as was done in the construction of a new highway connecting Rajasthan and Gujarat. The new two-lane highway from Bakhasar (Barmer) to Mavsari (Gujarat) is being built 15-20 feet high with around 33 small and big bridges and culverts to ensure smooth travel even during the rainy season.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges of building and maintaining infrastructure in regions susceptible to extreme weather events. It highlights the importance of thorough planning, robust construction standards, and effective disaster management strategies to protect public investments and ensure the safety and well-being of communities. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance of infrastructure to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they lead to catastrophic failures.