2025 National Highway 66 collapse at Kooriyad, Malappuram
| Date | 19 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Time | 2:30 pm Indian Standard Time (IST) |
| Location | National Highway 66, Kooriyad, Malappuram district, Kerala |
| Coordinates | 11°02′52″N 75°56′22″E / 11.047807°N 75.939375°E |
| Type | Construction accident |
| Cause | Structural integrity and failure, Pore water pressure |
| Non-fatal injuries | 7 |
On 19 May 2025 at 2:30 pm IST, a section of National Highway 66 caved in near Kooriyad, Malappuram district, Kerala.[1] Three cars were involved in the accident, and seven were injured. The collapse significantly delayed construction on NH66.[2] No casualties occurred.
Background
A section of the NH 66, which is under construction at Kuriyad between Kolappuram and Kakkad in Malappuram district, collapsed at around 2:30 pm on May 2025. The collapse, including a retaining wall, fell onto the service road built over the filled paddy field, causing the nearby paddy field to split and form a small hill. The collapse occurred on a road under construction by the KNRCL company[3] in the Ramanattukara-Valanchery reach of the new 6-lane National Highway. Four cars on the service road were damaged in the collapse. Seven passengers travelling in the car were injured.[4]
Aftermath
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued an order to reconstruct the road and investigate the accident. The central government has debarred the KNRC company that was carrying out the construction.[5] Member of Parliament (Malappuram) E. T. Mohammed Basheer discussed the accident details with Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari,[6] and Nitin issued an order for investigation and banned the KNRC company that was carrying out the construction work.[7][4] Kerala Chief Minister and Kerala Public Works Department have also ordered an investigation into the accident.[8]
Reactions
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has agreed to carry out a full investigation into the collapse of a section of the National Highway 66 Collapse
Member of Parliament (Malappuram) E. T. Mohammed Basheer met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari immediately after the incident. Basheer said that the Union Minister had assured that appropriate action would be taken against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials if they were found responsible for the lapses. He also said that Gadkari had said that steps would be taken to enforce the bank guarantee given by the contractor and blacklist the construction company.[6]
Congress President Sunny Joseph asked the Pinarayi Vijayan government to determine the responsibilities for the deteriorating National Highway 66.[9]
Protests
Protests took place in Kooriyad, and Indian Youth Congress workers held a protest march to the KNRCL office. On 20 May, the Muslim Youth League held a protest march at Kuriyad.[10][11]
See also
References
- ^ "NH-66 collapse: Geotechnical experts assess site in Kooriyad". The Times of India. 22 May 2025 – via The Economic Times - The Times of India.
- ^ "NH66 collapse in Kerala's Malappuram raises safety concerns, Gadkari assures probe - CNBC TV18". CNBCTV18. 22 May 2025.
- ^ "NH 66 collapse: Kooriyad natives allege KNCRL ignored their warnings, Expert team to visit site tomorrow". NH 66 collapse: Kooriyad natives allege KNCRL ignored their warnings, Expert team to visit site tomorrow.
- ^ a b "NH-66 collapse on service road at Kooriyad triggers concerns". The Times of India. 20 May 2025 – via The Economic Times - The Times of India.
- ^ "Centre debars KNR Constructions over NH-66 collapse in Malappuram; suspends two officials". @mathrubhumi. 22 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Nitin Gadkari assured IIT-expert panel will probe construction flaws: Basheer". The Times of India. 21 May 2025 – via The Economic Times - The Times of India.
- ^ "Gadkari has promised swift action against those responsible for NH-66 collapse near Kooriyad bridge: IUML leader". The Hindu. 22 May 2025 – via www.thehindu.com.
- ^ "Kerala braces for monsoon: Cracks, collapses in underconstruction 6-lane NH raise concerns". @mathrubhumi. 20 May 2025.
- ^ India, The Hans (21 May 2025). "Kerala: Congress demands fixing responsibilities of crumbling under-construction national highway". www.thehansindia.com.
- ^ "Nitin Gadkari promises probe, stern action over NH66 collapse; Youth Congress holds protest". Nitin Gadkari promises probe, stern action over NH66 collapse; Youth Congress holds protest.
- ^ Service, Express News (7 May 2025). "Cracks and landslips on NH spark protests in Kerala; Gadkari urged to act". The New Indian Express.
