NHAI bars KNR after embankment collapse on NH-66 in Kerala
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

NHAI bars KNR after embankment collapse on NH-66 in Kerala

A structural failure involving the settlement of an embankment and collapse of a Reinforced Earth (RE) wall was reported on 19th May 2025 on the Ramanattukara–Valanchery section of NH-66 in Kerala. The incident occurred as the project neared completion.

Preliminary findings indicate that the failure was due to the concessionaire’s negligence in assessing and strengthening ground conditions before execution. In response, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has barred M/s KNR Constructions Ltd from participating in any ongoing or future bids.

The Project Consultant/Independent Engineer, M/s Highway Engineering Consultant, has also been disallowed from bidding in current and upcoming projects. Additionally, the Project Manager of the Concessionaire and the Team Leader of the Consultant have been suspended.

To address the situation, NHAI has mobilised a two-member expert team under the guidance of a retired IIT-Delhi professor to assess the failure and recommend remedial actions. The reconstruction will be undertaken at the risk and cost of the concessionaire.

Further, the expert team will propose preventive measures for similar projects across Kerala. NHAI will issue new guidelines to mitigate the risk of recurrence in other ongoing works.

The experts’ initial assessment attributes the failure to inadequate bearing capacity of the foundation soil beneath the high embankment load.

A structural failure involving the settlement of an embankment and collapse of a Reinforced Earth (RE) wall was reported on 19th May 2025 on the Ramanattukara–Valanchery section of NH-66 in Kerala. The incident occurred as the project neared completion.Preliminary findings indicate that the failure was due to the concessionaire’s negligence in assessing and strengthening ground conditions before execution. In response, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has barred M/s KNR Constructions Ltd from participating in any ongoing or future bids.The Project Consultant/Independent Engineer, M/s Highway Engineering Consultant, has also been disallowed from bidding in current and upcoming projects. Additionally, the Project Manager of the Concessionaire and the Team Leader of the Consultant have been suspended.To address the situation, NHAI has mobilised a two-member expert team under the guidance of a retired IIT-Delhi professor to assess the failure and recommend remedial actions. The reconstruction will be undertaken at the risk and cost of the concessionaire.Further, the expert team will propose preventive measures for similar projects across Kerala. NHAI will issue new guidelines to mitigate the risk of recurrence in other ongoing works.The experts’ initial assessment attributes the failure to inadequate bearing capacity of the foundation soil beneath the high embankment load.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Shivraj Chouhan Launches PMGSY IV and Announces Package for Madhya Pradesh

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) IV at Bhairunda in Sehore district during the 25 year celebrations and announced a development package for Madhya Pradesh. The programme was organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and attended by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, ministers of state, state ministers, legislators and senior officials from the centre and the state. The minister said the central government under the Prime Minister is committed to strengthening rural livelihoods through improved connectivity, housing and women's in..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

DMR Engineering Reports FY 25-26 Financial Results

DMR Engineering reported its half year results for the financial year ended 31 March 2026 and published full year figures on a standalone basis. Standalone revenue from operations decreased by 2.01 per cent year-over-year to Rs 102.58 million (mn), while profit after tax declined by 43.94 per cent to nine point five six mn, leaving a profit after tax margin of nine point zero five per cent. Earnings per share stood at Rs zero point nine two, a fall of 44.71 per cent year-over-year. The company attributed part of the decline to one-off provisioning for bad debts and additional financing charges..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Atlanta Electricals Posts Strong FY26 Growth And Debt Free Finish

Atlanta Electricals reported audited consolidated results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026. The company recorded significant year-on-year revenue growth driven by capacity ramp-up at new facilities and higher utilisation at legacy plants. The announcement summarised operating improvements and strategic milestones achieved during the year. For Q4 the company reported revenue of Rs 7.48 bn and for FY26 revenue of Rs 18.52 bn, representing robust growth versus the prior year. EBITDA in Q4 was Rs. 1.49 bn and Rs. 3.44 bn for the full year, with margins expanding to 20 per cent in the q..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement