NHAI Takes Strict Action After Reinforced Earth Wall Collapse on NH-66 Kerala, Rs 80 Crore Flyover Reconstruction Ordered
In a major development following the recent collapse of a reinforced earth (RE) wall on the under-construction National Highway 66 (NH-66) at Kooriyad in Malappuram, Kerala, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken swift and stringent actions against those found responsible. This incident, which has raised serious concerns over construction standards and safety protocols in national highway projects, has prompted NHAI to suspend its project director and terminate the services of the site engineer involved in the project.
The collapse of the RE wall, part of an ongoing highway construction project in Kerala, has not only sparked public outcry but also triggered a thorough investigation by the authorities. Preliminary findings from the investigation have pointed to critical lapses by both the NHAI officials and the concessionaire in charge of the project, KNR Construction. As a result, KNR Construction and its promoters have been suspended and barred from participating in any new project bids for a period of one year. In addition to this ban, the company has been penalized with a hefty fine of Rs 11.8 crore. The NHAI has further mandated the concessionaire to undertake the reconstruction of the damaged section by building a new flyover at an estimated cost of Rs 80 crore, entirely at their own expense.
Furthermore, the project manager employed by the concessionaire has also been suspended in connection with the incident. Adding to the disciplinary measures, the NHAI has blacklisted the independent engineer, design consultant, and safety engineer associated with the project for a year, citing their negligence. Each of these parties has been fined Rs 20 lakh as a penalty for their respective roles in the failure.
The developments were underscored by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari during a conference on Advanced Geotechnical Techniques and Rockfall Mitigation in Hilly Terrain held earlier in the day. Gadkari stated unequivocally that he had directed NHAI to implement the strictest possible actions against all officials and stakeholders responsible for the mishap. He emphasized the importance of ensuring high construction standards and stringent safety measures, particularly in regions vulnerable to landslides and terrain failures.
In a proactive step to prevent such incidents in the future, the NHAI has constituted a specialized expert committee tasked with assessing other potentially vulnerable locations of reinforced soil (RS) walls and slope protection structures. This committee will carry out detailed evaluations across 17 ongoing projects on NH-66 in Kerala, a crucial route for regional connectivity and economic activity.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the critical need for robust design practices, quality assurance, and vigilant monitoring in infrastructure projects, especially those involving complex geotechnical challenges. As the investigation progresses and remediation begins, the focus remains on accountability, transparency, and the imperative to rebuild public trust in the safety of national infrastructure development.
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