Corruption in national highway subcontracts in Kerala

NEW DELHI: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has recommended that the CAG conduct an audit in the wake of widespread irregularities and corruption in subcontracts for the construction of national highways in Kerala. PAC Chairman K. C. Venugopal MP said that strict action has also been recommended against those responsible for construction defects, including at Kooriyad in Malappuram.

The recommendation for auditing is based on delays in construction, irregularities in toll collection, and problems in providing services. In cases like the defects at Kooriyad, the current action taken is limited to measures such as a one-year ban on those involved. Since the Ministry is admitting the defects, strict action is essential. Officials of the National Highways Authority are also responsible. Contractors who fail to meet standards should be blacklisted. The Kadambattukonam–Kazhakootam project, costing Rs 3,684.98 crore, was subcontracted for Rs 795 crore.

Main recommendations

• Do not collect toll before construction is completed.
• Consult the district administration and state government representatives while preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
• To avoid design flaws, set up a high-level body with technical experts.
• Subcontracts must be regulated and transparent; multiple layers of subcontracting should be avoided.
• Conduct audits before construction to prevent repeated mistakes.
• Guidelines are needed to improve the quality of service roads, with clear designs covering connectivity, drainage, and other features.
• Toll collection must be prohibited on roads that are incomplete or not fit for traffic, such as those at Aroor and Paliyekkara.