Part of Under-Construction Highway Collapses in Kollam
A significant concern has arisen regarding the quality of construction and the stability of the reinforced earth (RE) wall along a national highway stretch, following a dramatic incident on Friday. A portion of the under-construction embankment situated at Mylacaudu, near Kottiyam, collapsed, raising alarms among local residents and officials alike.
Incident Overview
The sidewall of the approach road structure caved in catastrophically, leaving behind large craters on the service road below. This sudden collapse trapped four vehicles, including a school bus. Fortunately, all children and other passengers aboard were safely evacuated without sustaining any injuries. However, the incident caused traffic along the national highway towards Thiruvananthapuram to come to a standstill, prompting officials to implement diversions in the area.
Details of the Construction Project
The highway project, overseen by Shivalaya Construction Ltd, stretches 31.250 kilometers along NH-66. It aims to transform the existing two-lane road into a six-lane dual carriageway highway. This ambitious project encompasses the construction of a bypass to Kollam city, six flyovers, one rail overbridge, 10 underpasses, four new major bridges, three minor bridges, and 42 culverts. In addition, the undertaking involves the application of over 100,000 square meters of reinforced earth wall and more than 2.5 million cubic meters of earthwork.
Concerns Raised by Local Residents
Despite claims from the construction company that the project commenced only after conducting a comprehensive scientific study, local residents are voicing their apprehensions. They are demanding an immediate inspection of the soil used in the construction, especially after reports indicated that approximately 500 meters of the road had sunk. Residents allege that their repeated complaints regarding the site’s stability were overlooked and express grave concern about the construction methods adopted in this vulnerable terrain.
“Since it’s an area near paddy fields, filling with soil is risky, and they are playing with the safety of the public. The present earth-filling method should be abandoned in favour of building pillar-supported structures to ensure long-term stability,” said Sreenivasan, a concerned resident.
Official Response
In the aftermath of the incident, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas has directed the Public Works Secretary to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. He has also mandated that officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), who are currently inspecting the location, provide an explanation regarding the collapse.
Political Reactions
The incident has spurred political outrage, with AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, who is also a Member of Parliament, condemning what he describes as criminal negligence on the part of the NHAI regarding the construction work. He has leveled allegations of corruption associated with the project, further intensifying scrutiny around the highway’s construction and the broader implications for public safety.
The highway stretch that collapsed at Maylakad near Kottiyam serves as a crucial corridor for traffic, and such incidents raise pressing questions about infrastructure planning and monitoring in the region. As investigations proceed, the safety and welfare of the public remain at the forefront of community concerns.
