+
NHAI Debars Contractor Over Kerala Highway Collapse
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

NHAI Debars Contractor Over Kerala Highway Collapse

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has debarred Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) for one year following a landslip and wall collapse along the Chengala–Neeleshwaram stretch of NH‑66 in Kerala. The incident on 16 June was attributed to inadequate slope protection and poor drainage, exposing dangerous design faults on the roadway.

In addition to debarment, MEIL has received a show-cause notice and may face a penalty of up to Rs 90 million. Under its Hybrid Annuity Model contract, MEIL holds responsibility for the maintenance of this highway section for 15 years and must undertake reconstruction of slope protection at its own expense.

To address the failure and its causes, the NHAI has appointed an expert panel comprising specialists from top institutions such as the Central Road Research Institute, IIT‑Palakkad and the Geological Survey of India. The team will inspect the affected zone, evaluate engineering practices, and recommend corrective measures to prevent similar failures.

The collapse occurred near Cherkkala in Kasaragod district following heavy rainfall and highlighted serious deficiencies in geotechnical planning and stormwater management. Prior to the collapse, concerns had been raised about unsafe slope cutting and reliance on thin cement coatings rather than structural retaining walls.

Construction in the area was temporarily halted, and the incident resonates with a previous tragedy in May 2025, when an 18‑year‑old worker died after a hillock collapsed at the same project, underscoring the ongoing risk to worker safety.

The NHAI’s action sends a strong message about enforcing contractor accountability and infrastructure integrity in highway development. The expert team’s findings and subsequent repairs will set important precedents for future geotechnical safety standards.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has debarred Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) for one year following a landslip and wall collapse along the Chengala–Neeleshwaram stretch of NH‑66 in Kerala. The incident on 16 June was attributed to inadequate slope protection and poor drainage, exposing dangerous design faults on the roadway.In addition to debarment, MEIL has received a show-cause notice and may face a penalty of up to Rs 90 million. Under its Hybrid Annuity Model contract, MEIL holds responsibility for the maintenance of this highway section for 15 years and must undertake reconstruction of slope protection at its own expense.To address the failure and its causes, the NHAI has appointed an expert panel comprising specialists from top institutions such as the Central Road Research Institute, IIT‑Palakkad and the Geological Survey of India. The team will inspect the affected zone, evaluate engineering practices, and recommend corrective measures to prevent similar failures.The collapse occurred near Cherkkala in Kasaragod district following heavy rainfall and highlighted serious deficiencies in geotechnical planning and stormwater management. Prior to the collapse, concerns had been raised about unsafe slope cutting and reliance on thin cement coatings rather than structural retaining walls.Construction in the area was temporarily halted, and the incident resonates with a previous tragedy in May 2025, when an 18‑year‑old worker died after a hillock collapsed at the same project, underscoring the ongoing risk to worker safety.The NHAI’s action sends a strong message about enforcing contractor accountability and infrastructure integrity in highway development. The expert team’s findings and subsequent repairs will set important precedents for future geotechnical safety standards.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Cabinet Clears Rs 15.07 Bn Greenfield Airport Project in Kota-Bundi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposal for the development of a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, at an estimated cost of Rs 15.07 billion.Kota, located on the banks of the Chambal River, is widely recognised as the industrial capital of Rajasthan and a prominent educational coaching hub. To support the region’s growing needs, the Government of Rajasthan has handed over 440.06 hectares of land to AAI for the project.The new Greenfield Airport will be designed to handle oper..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt may extend MSME NPA classification period to 180 days

The Union government is considering a proposal to extend the non-performing asset (NPA) classification period for loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the existing 90 days to 180 days, according to a senior government official who requested anonymity.“The proposal to extend the loan default period for MSMEs from 90 days to 180 days is likely to be taken up by the Cabinet soon,” the official said.The move is expected to provide relief to cash-strapped MSMEs, especially against the backdrop of steep US tariffs, giving them more time to regularise their loan repayments.Ne..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

FedEx, IIT Madras Launch SMART Centre for Sustainable, AI-led Logistics

FedEx has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to inaugurate the SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) on the institute’s campus. The facility will drive innovation in sustainable and AI-driven logistics solutions. Backed by a five-year $5 million grant from FedEx, the SMART Centre aims to combine advanced research, digital technologies, and industry expertise to transform supply chains with a focus on agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility.The centre will also spearhead interdisciplinary projects in ar..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?