High Court seeks interim report; Authority admits lapse; NH 66 structure will have to be changed

KOCHI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has admitted its lapse in the High Court over the collapse of the highway under construction, including in Kooriyad, Malappuram. The authority's lawyer told the court that prima facie it is understood that the cause of the collapse was water seeping through the soil. He also said that the Kooriyad road will require structural changes.

Justice Devan Ramachandran then directed the NHAI to submit an interim report on Thursday, explaining the reasons. The action was taken while considering petitions regarding the poor condition of the roads. The court said that the people had pinned great hopes on the development of the national highway. They patiently waited for the travel inconveniences. The court also pointed out that everyone is in deep worry now.

The authority said that all efforts are being made to resolve the problem under the leadership of high-level officials. A high-level expert committee has also been formed. The investigation is in progress. The contract company will be blacklisted. It was also requested to be given time to study the detailed reason for the collapse. The High Court then asked for an interim report to be submitted.