Archive · 22 May 2025
Centre Blacklists Firms After NH-66 Collapse in Kerala
A portion of NH-66 collapsed near a bridge in Kerala.
The government has blacklisted the construction company (KNR Constructions) and the consultant firm (HEC) involved.
Officials are investigating structural flaws.
An expert committee is conducting a preliminary inquiry.
The government plans to recover rectification costs from the firms.
Concerns about the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and environmental impact have been raised by various political figures.
The government is taking action to address the safety concerns.
The Union Ministry has debarred the contractor from future tenders.
Action followed a meeting between Nitin Gadkari and IUML MP E.T. Muhammed Basheer.
An expert committee headed by G.V. Rao conducted a preliminary inquiry.
The Andhra Pradesh-based construction company, KNR Constructions, was blacklisted.
The consultant firm, Highway Engineering Consultant (HEC), was also debarred.
- Who
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, IUML MP E.T. Muhammed Basheer, KNR Constructions (contractor), Highway Engineering Consultant (HEC), retired IIT-Delhi professor G.V. Rao.
- What
- Collapse of a section of NH-66; investigation into construction quality; blacklisting of the construction and consultant firms.
- When
- May 19, 2025, Collapse of NH-66; Action announced May 22, 2025.
- Where
- NH-66 near Kooriyad Bridge, Malappuram, Kerala; also sections in Kozhikode, Kasaragod, and Thrissur.
- Why
- To address structural flaws, public safety concerns, faulty DPR, and environmental concerns.
UDF & CPI Perspective
Central Government's Response
Construction Quality and Environmental Impact
UDF & CPI Perspective
The UDF highlighted the unscientific and environmentally destructive design of the NH-66. They have concerns over the environmental impact and inadequate soil testing, as well as failures in assessing the natural water flow.
Central Government's Response
The Central government is blacklisting the construction and consultant firms, investigating the cause of the collapse, and auditing NH-66 stretches.
Responsibility for Structural Issues
UDF & CPI Perspective
Neither the Central nor the Kerala government is owning up to responsibility for the precarious stretches.
Central Government's Response
The government has taken action, blacklisting and investigating the construction and consultancy firms involved, and conducting a safety audit.
DPR Soundness
UDF & CPI Perspective
Concerns over the Detailed Project Report, with accusations of alterations to suit vested interests at the expense of the environment.
Central Government's Response
The DPR is under scrutiny; NHAI resident engineer has flagged issues.
- Highway
- NH-66
- Incident Location
- Kooriyad Bridge, Malappuram, Kerala
- Union Minister
- Nitin Gadkari
- Actions Taken
- Blacklisted KNR Constructions and HEC
- Key Figure
- IUML MP E.T. Muhammed Basheer
- Investigation Team
- Retired IIT-Delhi professor G.V. Rao led inquiry
Sources
Accident-prone spots on NH 66 in Alappuzha to be identified before monsoon
NH-66 collapse in Malappuram: Nitin Gadkari has promised probe, says IUML leader
Collector seeks report on crack found on NH 66 in Manathala
Gadkari has promised swift action against those responsible for NH-66 collapse near Kooriyad bridge: IUML leader
