Excavators and dump trucks were deployed to remove soil from a collapsed section of the national highway at Mylakkadu near Kottiyam in Kollam on Saturday. | Photo credit: C. Sureshkumar
While officials and the construction company were unable to provide a clear explanation regarding the collapse of the retaining wall of the under-construction national highway at Mylakkadu in Kollam, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) informed that a high-level investigation will be conducted into the incident. The investigation will be conducted by an expert team from Delhi.
Meanwhile, emergency measures have been taken to deal with the problems related to the accident. Kerala Water Authority has initiated activities to ensure availability of drinking water and the process of replacing panels in the damaged sector is underway. Due to the resumption of traffic, full traffic will be ensured on the right service road on Sunday. Subsequently, it was also decided to partially restore traffic on the left road by allowing the passage of small vehicles until Monday noon.
KSEB cables
District Collector N. Devidas, after discussions with NHAI officials and representatives of the construction company, clarified that the replacement of the damaged underground cables of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) will be started immediately after the urgent submission of the relevant report and the services of home guards and other volunteers will be used to regulate the traffic.
The NHAI has been directed to submit details of all inspections carried out in connection with the construction work. To proactively address similar risks in other vulnerable areas including Kottiyam, Mevvaram, Parakkulam and Kadavoor, a joint inspection by Ground Water Department, Geology Department, Public Works Department, National Highways and Highways Division will be conducted and the findings will be communicated immediately.
Finance Minister KN Balagopal, after visiting the site on Saturday morning, assigned sole responsibility for the NH collapse to NHAI and the construction agency. According to him, the government bears no responsibility for the incident. According to the minister, the state’s role was limited to land acquisition and handover, while all other aspects, including construction and structural integrity, came under NHAI’s purview. Minister J. Chinchurani also visited the place.
Published – 06 Dec 2025 20:42 IST
