Varanasi Airport Tunnel Work Halted After Water Seepage

Construction work on the six-lane tunnel beneath the Varanasi airport runway has been temporarily halted after water seepage was detected during excavation. The incident occurred while groundwork was underway near the Babatpur area, prompting authorities to stop work at the affected site as a precautionary measure.

The tunnel is part of a major infrastructure project aimed at rerouting National Highway-31 underground to facilitate the expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. The work is being carried out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

According to information gathered from the site, water emerged during deep excavation, raising concerns about soil conditions and groundwater levels in the area. Following standard safety protocols, construction activities were suspended at that particular location to allow for technical assessment.

Local residents have indicated that the region has historically had a relatively high groundwater table, which may explain the seepage. Engineering experts are currently evaluating the source of the water and determining suitable mitigation measures, such as enhanced drainage or controlled dewatering, before work resumes.

Officials have clarified that the project itself has not been cancelled and that halting work is a routine safety step in large-scale infrastructure development. Further progress will depend on geological studies and the implementation of necessary technical solutions.

Authorities maintain that safety and structural integrity remain the top priority and that construction will continue only after conditions are deemed secure.