Cracks, Partial Collapse on NH66 Raise Safety Concerns in Kerala

The collapse of a section of the under-construction National Highway 66, the appearance of cracks in parts of the road, and soil slips in areas where hills were levelled for construction have raised public concern in central and northern Kerala following continuous rainfall.

- Press Trust of India

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/NEW DELHI:

The incidents were reported from Thrissur, Malappuram, and Kannur districts.

Kerala public works department minister PA Muhammed Riyas on Wednesday called the incidents "truly regrettable". ET Muhammed Basheer, a Lok Sabha member, said Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari has assured a full investigation into the recent collapse of a section of NH66 at Kooriyad in Malappuram.

The Union minister's assurance came after the IUML Lok Sabha member met him in person in New Delhi on Wednesday and handed over a memorandum explaining the seriousness of the incident.

In a Facebook post, Basheer said the minister also promised strict action against the contractors responsible.