NEW DELHI: The center has taken strict action in connection with the collapse of elevated NH 66 under construction at Kooriyad in Malappuram. The Centre has debarred the contractors KNR Constructions. The Highway Engineering Consultant (HEC), which worked as consultant for the project has also been banned, along with it. M Amarnath Reddy, the project manager of the project has also been suspended.
Rajkumar, the team leader of the national highway construction, has also been suspended. The action was taken by the Union Ministry of Surface Transport based on the preliminary inspection report. The contractor KNR Constructions will no longer be allowed to participate in the tenders for the national highway. A section of NH 66 collapsed on May 19.
The national highway collapsed and fell onto the service road, and the service road itself was also damaged. Following the incident, the National Highway Authority conducted an inspection. A two-member team reached the spot and conducted the inspection. Dr Jimmy Thomas, a Malayali and Dr Anil Dixit conducted the inspection at Kooriyad. The center has now taken action based on the preliminary report of this team.
The high court had sought a report from the national highway authority regarding the collapse of the national highway under construction in Kooriyad. Justice Devan Ramachandran's action was while considering pleas over the poor condition of the roads. The petition will be considered again on Friday.