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

23 May 2025 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..