Kottiyam NH collapse: Contract companies banned for one month

KOLLAM: The contracting companies involved in the collapse that occurred during the construction of National Highway 66 near Kottiyam have been banned for one month. The action was taken by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The ban prevents these companies from taking part in new tenders.

A show-cause notice has been issued instead of immediately blacklisting them. They must submit their explanation within 15 days. Further action will be taken based on the report of an expert committee. Action may also be taken against officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Minister Nitin Gadkari has reviewed the matter.

The companies banned include Shivalaya Constructions (based in Delhi), its subsidiary Kollam Highways Pvt. Ltd., and consultancy firms Feedback Infra Pvt. Ltd. and Sathra Services and Solutions Pvt. Ltd., which were responsible for evaluating the construction. The project manager of the company has been removed from local responsibilities.

Members of the expert committee appointed by NHAI- Dr Jimmy from IIT Mumbai and Dr Sudheesh from IIT Palakkad-visited the site and submitted a preliminary report. They also held discussions with NHAI’s regional officer and project director. A member of NHAI’s technical committee will visit today.

Faulty construction, weak foundation

• The preliminary investigation report states that the failure to construct a strong and suitable foundation based on soil studies led to the collapse of both the elevated highway and the service road. The soil from the elevated structure pushed into the weak paddy field area, causing the accident.
• Soil was filled up to a height of 9.4 meters, but no strong foundation or retaining wall was built on the sides of the elevated road or between the service road and the paddy field.
• The service road shifted about 15 feet into the paddy field, damaging 33 kV electric poles and the retaining wall of the nearby canal.
• The contractor argues that the DPR mentioned soil filling up to 10 meters. They claim the loss is only around Rs 40 lakh.

Collector’s Special Investigation Team
A team has been appointed to investigate the reason behind the collapse. The team includes the Executive Engineer of the PWD National Highways division, the District Geologist, and the Executive Engineer of the Groundwater Department.

Three other marshy areas in the district will also be inspected. The Collector has directed the contractor to restore the pipeline and electricity line today and reopen the service road before 8 PM.