Collapse Of Slope Protection Work on NH-66 In Kerala: NHAI Debars Concessionaire From Future Bids; Expert Panel To Review The Site

A serious incident involving the collapse of slope protection works along the Chengala–Neeleshwaram stretch of NH-66 near Cherkkala in Kasaragod district, Kerala, on 16 June 2025, has prompted a swift response from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The collapse has been attributed to improper design, inadequate slope protection works and poor drainage system, raising significant concerns about infrastructure standards and concessionaire accountability.

The project, developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), mandates that the private concessionaire maintains the section for 15 years.

In this case, the appointed concessionaire, has come under fire for lapses in execution.

Concessionaire and its Promoter Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd., has been debarred from participating in future bids due to their failure to execute adequate slope protection works and make proper drainage system to mitigate such risks, as per an official statement.

A Show Cause Notice has also been issued to the Concessionaire for debarment of one year including levy of monetary penalty of up to Rs.09 crore.

NHAI has directed the concessionaire to reconstruct the slope protection infrastructure at their own cost.

The incident has triggered a wider review of the NH-66 corridor in Kerala.

To this end, an expert committee has been constituted to evaluate the design and construction quality of the section.

The panel includes a senior scientist from the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), a retired professor from IIT-Palakkad, and representatives from the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

Their remit includes conducting a site visit and providing comprehensive remedial recommendations.

NHAI has assured that all essential steps are being taken to address the issue and prevent such lapses.

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