Expert Panel Flags Safety Risks on Kerala’s NH 66

Speedy Summary

• Several slopes and reinforced earth (RE) walls on NH 66 in Kerala are vulnerable too landslips and cave-ins, according to an expert investigation.
• The investigation flagged critical deficiencies, including inadequate drainage due to the absence or insufficient spacing of weep holes.
• Intense rainfall combined with poor drainage risks structural failures despite surface stability in certain areas.
• Specific locations identified for urgent intervention include:

– Chainage 95+700 to 96+200 (Neeleswaram-Taliparamba corridor): Previous slope failure location.
– Chainage 98+600 to 98+800: Progressive slope failures and delamination of shotcrete observed after rainfall.

• Faulty methodologies such as improper soil nailing techniques contributed significantly to slope instability at chainages like 130+150 along Thaliparamba-Muzhappilangad corridor. Gullying risk noted in chainage sections near Taliparamba areas!

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