Kerala: Centre takes action over the collapse of NH 66

IANS May 22, 2025 340 views

The Centre has taken decisive action following the collapse of National Highway 66 in Kerala's Malappuram district. KNR Constructions Limited has been banned, and two top project officials were suspended after the highway's critical structural failure. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari responded quickly to local politician E.T. Mohammed Basheer's concerns about the project. The government has appointed a veteran IIT Delhi professor to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

"This is a challenge against the people. We will go forward resolving all the issues." - P.A. Mohammed Riyas, Kerala Minister
Thiruvananthapuram, May 22: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Thursday took action against the Hyderabad-based KNR Constructions Limited after the National Highway 66 in Kerala, which they are constructing, started to collapse at a few places.

Key Points

1

Centre takes strict action against highway construction company

2

Two top project officials suspended immediately

3

Expert K.R. Rao appointed to investigate incident

4

Local politicians demand accountability for road collapse

Sources said that apart from banning the construction company, the consultants to the project, Highway Engineering Company, have also been banned.

Likewise, two top officials attached to the project, the Construction Project Manager M. Amarnath Reddy and team leader Raj Kumar, have also been suspended.

On May 19, the under-construction National Highway 66 at Kooriyad in Malappuram district collapsed, while the retaining wall and service road sank in.

Lok Sabha member from Malappuram district E.T. Mohammed Basheer, early this week, called on Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and expressed concerns about the construction of the highway. Gadkari had assured the Basheer of prompt action, which was taken on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Kerala Congress president Sunny Joseph asked the Pinarayi Vijayan government to ensure responsibilities are fixed.

Meanwhile, the protesters targeted the State Public Works Department Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, who is also Vijayan's son-in-law. He always took credit for the massive road development that has taken place since he became the Minister in 2021. Vijayan was also criticised by various stakeholders.

However, Minister Riyas pointed out that the Congress-led UDF has always been against this project, as during their tenure, they were unable to do anything.

"After the incident happened, Congress saw it as a good opportunity to criticise us. But they should realise that this is a challenge against the people. We will go forward resolving all the issues," said Riyas.

The Centre has also appointed veteran former IIT Delhi Professor K.R. Rao, an expert in roads and construction, to conduct an in-depth study of the incident.

Congress Lok Sabha member Shafi Parambil welcomed the appointment, saying, "This decision was expected. There has to be a detailed examination of the projects. In the Parliament, we have brought this up on a few occasions. We are hoping that things will now go forward smoothly."

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some strict action taken! These construction companies take crores of rupees and deliver substandard work. The ban should be extended to all their projects across India. Hope Prof. Rao's investigation brings out the truth. 🚧
P
Priya M.
As a frequent traveler on NH 66, this is very concerning. The government must ensure proper quality checks during construction. Just banning companies after accidents happen isn't enough - we need preventive measures!
S
Sunil T.
Why does everything in Kerala become political? Both LDF and UDF are busy blaming each other while people suffer. The Minister should focus on solutions rather than giving political statements. Road safety is not a party matter!
A
Ananya R.
Good that they've appointed an IIT expert. But will the recommendations be implemented properly? We've seen so many reports gather dust in government offices. Hope this time will be different 🤞
V
Vijay P.
The speed at which action was taken shows the importance of this highway project. NH 66 is crucial for Kerala's economy. But we need long-term solutions - maybe blacklisting companies with poor track records before awarding contracts?
M
Meera N.
While the action against the company is justified, we must also appreciate that the Minister took immediate steps. Many such incidents go unnoticed in other states. At least here there's accountability being demanded.

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Tags:
NH 66 Collapse Kerala Infrastructure Nitin Gadkari P.A. Mohammed Riyas Road Transport Ministry Infrastructure Failure