The crack discovered on the insufficient construction of the overbridge along the National Highway 66 in Manathala caused serious security concerns and outrage. According to the official report, the Chavakkad Tahsildar, a crack that lasted almost 50 meters, was seen on May 20 near Manathala Vishwanatha and Manathala Muslim.
When the crack images quickly became a viral on social media platforms, the contractual society initially tried to cover the affected area with tar, but heavy rains flooded it. Later, they were temporarily sealed with cracks using quarry dust, according to locals.
District collector Arjun Pandian demanded an urgent report from the project director Ernakulam of the project director of the National Motorway Office of India (Nhai), which emphasized the potential risk of public security. He also consisted of a high -level expert committee that made a common inspection and submitted a comprehensive report. Preliminary findings and technical inputs from Geotechnical Engineering Department of Government Engineering College, Thrissur and Wing to control the quality of public works were presented by NHAI. The final report from Nhai is still waiting, said the collector.
Meanwhile, the local community expresses deep concern about the quality of construction. “This unfortunate incident has created fear and anxiety among the inhabitants. Therlli Asoken, the President of the Manathal Congress Committee and the local resident.
The Manathala Unit of the Indian National Congress sent a formal letter to the Minister of Trade Transport Transport and Nitin motorway and urged it to order transparent and immediate investigation. The letter requires strict responsibility and states that suppliers and engineers must be responsible if no negligence is found. The party also demanded that the investigation and any remedial steps to restore confidence in the project be published.
The incident plunged the shadow above the ongoing infrastructure projects in the region, emphasizing the urgent need for ensuring quality and greater transparency in the public construction.
Published – May 26, 2025 21:54
