After Malappuram Highway Collapse Fresh Cracks Emerge on NH 66
A day after the collapse of a section of the under-construction National Highway 66 in Kooriyad, fresh cracks have been detected along the same stretch at Thalappara in Kerala’s Malappuram district, raising concerns over the structural integrity of the road amid heavy rainfall.
The cracks, which appeared on Tuesday morning, were found at an elevated portion of the highway. According to Manorama News, they come just hours after a retaining wall along the elevated six-lane road caved in near a service station on Monday, causing a partial collapse that impacted three vehicles. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Project Director Anshul Sharma attributed the collapse to natural causes, stating that persistent rainfall caused water to seep under the structure. “Pore water pressure during heavy rain exerted force on the foundation and bulged out the soil into the paddy field. This created a cavity under the road,” Sharma explained. He added that an expert committee will investigate the matter and submit a detailed report.
However, local leaders have contested the NHAI’s claims. Vengara Panchayat President KP Haseena Fazal pointed to unscientific construction practices, stating that local residents suffer waterlogging every year following the road’s reconstruction. The affected section lies between Kooriyad and Kolappuram in Tirurangadi, along the Kozhikode–Thrissur corridor. Authorities have diverted traffic to alternate routes to manage the disruption.
With further damage now emerging in nearby areas, pressure is mounting on the NHAI and contractors to ensure quality control and safety measures during ongoing infrastructure work.
