National Desk, 1st August: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his sincere condolence following a tragic incident in Shahapur, Maharashtra. Sixteen workers were killed and three others were injured when a girder launching machine fell during Phase III of the Samruddhi Express Highway construction. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities fear that five more workers may be trapped beneath the rubble.
In response to the tragic incident, Prime Minister Modi pledged financial assistance to the affected families. Each deceased worker’s next of kin will receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), while the injured would receive compensation of Rs 50,000.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his sorrow, saying, “Pained by the tragic mishap in Shahapur, Maharashtra.” My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who died. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been hurt.”
The tragedy happened early on August 1 near Sarlambe village in Shahpur, while the labourers were busily working on the third phase of the important Samruddhi Motorway. According to Shahpur Police, the specialist girder launching equipment, which is used to deploy large steel beams during highway and bridge construction, was in use at the time of the catastrophe.
The Samruddhi Mahamarg, popularly known as the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, is a vital transportation route that connects the two major cities, extending 701 kilometers. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is in charge of the enormous project, which aims to improve connectivity and encourage economic growth throughout the region. Notably, the expressway’s first phase, linking Nagpur to Shirdi, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the preceding year.