+
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 Energy

Bihar Launches Rs 53.4 Billion Green Energy Plan

The Bihar government has taken a major stride towards clean energy with the launch of two new policies and the signing of agreements totalling Rs 53.4 billion. These initiatives aim to generate 2,357 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy through solar, wind, battery storage, and other sustainable technologies.The Bihar Renewable Energy Policy 2025 and the Pump Storage Policy 2025 were officially introduced at an event in Patna. Designed to attract significant investment, the policies seek to position Bihar as a key centre for clean energy projects. Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav stated tha..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Bids Invited for Rs 62.5 Billion Vizag Metro Project

The long-anticipated Visakhapatnam Metro Project has made significant progress, with the Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation inviting bids for the first civil contract under Phase 1 of the Vizag Metro. The estimated cost of this contract is Rs 62.5 billion.This engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract covers the design and construction of a 46.23 km viaduct spanning three corridors, including a 20.16 km double-decker four-lane flyover cum metro viaduct. The project also comprises 42 elevated metro stations across Visakhapatnam.Recently, SYSTRA Consultancy signed a Memorandum ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Oberoi Realty to Buy Hotel Horizon for Rs 9.19 Billion

A consortium led by Mumbai-listed Oberoi Realty Ltd is set to acquire debt-laden Hotel Horizon Pvt Ltd in Juhu, Mumbai for Rs 9.19 billion (approximately USD 107 million) under a resolution plan approved through India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).In a filing to the stock exchange, Oberoi Realty confirmed that the Committee of Creditors of Hotel Horizon had approved the resolution plan, following which a letter of intent was issued. The consortium also includes Shree Naman Developers and JM Financial Properties.As per the resolution plan, the consortium will make a payment of Rs 9.1..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?