NHAI investigates fatal construction accident on DAK Expressway

A construction accident at the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra (DAK) Expressway site in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir resulted in the death of a 25-year-old laborer on August 25, 2026. The incident occurred at the Package-15 site near Jakh village during the lifting of a segment for the 11th span of an elevated highway.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) stated that a segment slipped from the launching machine during the operation. While NHAI clarified that there was no structural failure and that previously launched spans remain intact, a three-member expert team has been dispatched to conduct a technical examination of the launching gantry and work sequences. Preliminary assessments suggest the accident was caused by a technical snag during the launching process.

NHAI has expressed condolences to the deceased worker's family and confirmed that compensation is being provided according to applicable norms. Additionally, the construction company has reportedly provided employment to the worker's next of kin.