New Delhi: In a stern response to the structural failure of a section of National Highway 66 in Kuriad, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced a two-year ban on the firms responsible for the project. The decision comes after a portion of the highway and adjacent service road caved in on May 19, raising serious questions about the quality of construction and oversight.
The contracting firm KNR Constructions, along with its consulting partner Highway Engineering Consultant (HEC), has been blacklisted for two years, according to the Minister. Gadkari further confirmed that the companies will be held financially liable for the damage, including bearing the entire cost of road repairs, which is estimated at ₹85 crore.
“There will be no leniency in this matter. Those who compromise the integrity of public infrastructure will face serious consequences,” Gadkari stated firmly. He also clarified that full compensation will be recovered from the contractor, ensuring that no burden falls on the public exchequer.
Following the collapse, a two-member team from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) conducted an on-site assessment and submitted a preliminary report, based on which the punitive actions were initiated. Additionally, the project director based in Kochi has been suspended, and the site engineer has been dismissed for negligence and poor supervision.
This incident has further revealed deeper cracks in Kerala’s highway construction practices. According to a report from NHAI submitted to the Ministry, serious deficiencies were found in the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and the overall monitoring of the six-lane expansion work in Kerala. Several other sections of the national highway network in the state have shown similar vulnerabilities, prompting broader concern.
The Ministry has now hinted at reviewing all ongoing highway projects in the region, aiming to enforce stricter quality control and accountability in the execution of public infrastructure.