'Several factors contribute to road damage, comprehensive investigation is needed'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the widespread damage on National Highways across the state. In light of various emerging reasons such as unscientific construction practices, corruption, and the pressure to complete projects hastily, a full-fledged inquiry is necessary, said the KPCC meeting held at Indira Bhavan under the chairmanship of KPCC President Sunny Joseph. The meeting was attended by office bearers and DCC presidents.

As the monsoon has already arrived in Kerala, the meeting also urged the authorities to take immediate war-footing measures to address public concerns. KPCC President and MLA Sunny Joseph had earlier raised the same demand. The primary cause of the damage is the unscientific construction of national highways without adequate precautions. The central and state governments should not assume that merely blaming contractors will absolve them of responsibility.

Sunny Joseph alleged that large-scale irregularities exist in the construction of national highways and stressed that a thorough investigation is necessary, along with strict action against those responsible for the lapses. The Public Works Minister had claimed to have frequently visited construction sites to monitor progress. However, despite repeated complaints raised by public representatives in responsible forums regarding the unscientific nature of the construction, there was no sign of any serious evaluation.

He also criticised the failure to address key structural flaws such as inadequate drainage systems in elevated sections of the highway, despite these issues being clearly pointed out.