Fri May 23 15:39:10 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:
**Kerala High Court Demands Explanation from NHAI After Highway Collapse**
**KOCHI, May 23, 2025** – The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has admitted to lapses in the construction of the National Highway 66 (NH 66) embankment in Kooriyad, Malappuram district, Kerala, following the recent collapse of several newly constructed sections. The admission came before the Kerala High Court on Friday, sparking serious concern about the quality of infrastructure development in the region.
The High Court has directed the NHAI to submit a detailed report by May 29th, outlining the specific causes of the collapses and the proposed rectification measures. The court’s directive was issued during the hearing of petitions related to the poor condition of roads throughout Kerala.
“This is a very, very serious issue,” the court stated, expressing hope that the NHAI would implement scientifically sound remedial actions. The court also questioned the NHAI’s expertise, after the agency stated that they were only experts in road construction and not traffic regulation.
The NHAI’s counsel informed the court that a preliminary inquiry had been launched by an expert committee, leading to the blacklisting of the construction company responsible for the Malappuram section. Preliminary findings suggest that water seepage contributed to the collapse, prompting visits to the site by senior officials and technical experts. A structural modification may be necessary, the counsel said, requesting an extension until the first week of June to file the complete report.
The collapse of the NH 66 corridors has fueled public frustration, as residents have endured years of disruption during the highway widening project. The court’s intervention underscores the importance of accountability and quality control in major infrastructure projects.
First Piper 