Inquiry Reveals Violations in NH 66 Construction Standards in Kerala

Quick Summary:

• An expert study revealed that most collapsed or damaged stretches of National Highway 66 (NH 66) in Kerala violated Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) specifications.
• Major incidents included a road collapse at Kooriyad, Malappuram, caved sidewalls in Kannur, a sunken service road in kasaragod, and cracks across other parts spanning the State.
• Investigations identified improper construction methods-including flawed slope cutting and inadequate soil nailing-as primary causes for failures. Key issues like ignoring soil properties and groundwater tables exacerbated structural instability.
• A committee comprising experts from IIT Palakkad, Geological Survey of India, Central Road Research Institute flagged risks related too landslides and provided mitigation recommendations emphasizing site-specific geotechnical studies.
• MoRTH blacklisted KNR Constructions (Andhra Pradesh-based contractor) alongside consultancy firm Highway Engineering Consultant after public backlash over the failures.
• Opposition parties alleged collusions between BJP-CPI(M), while Kerala’s LDF government promised rectification works through NHAI.
• NH 66 spans roughly 600km across major urban hubs in Kerala before entering Tamil Nadu.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The structural debacles along NH 66 highlight systemic flaws undermining critical infrastructure design and execution. Ignoring geotechnical considerations during construction on terrain wiht naturally vulnerable slopes exposed gaps in adherence to national standards.while political blame games may garner attention post-disaster, what remains crucial is addressing accountability long-term-both among contractors/consultancies for shortcuts taken during execution phases and authorities overseeing compliance.

The report emphasizes tailored solutions adapted to unique geological settings-a necessary shift from generic design approaches often prone to failure under localized pressures such as heavy rainfall or weak subsoil conditions. The auditing measures suggested could mark progress toward safeguarding future projects nationally while compelling stricter enforcement mechanisms by supervisory bodies.

These events reinforce the importance of investing in engineering expertise upfront rather then post-damage rectifications which tap into state resources amidst public dissent over both costs incurred & disrupted connectivity essential for state commerce/travel.

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