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NHAI has prohibited the entry of smaller vehicles, such as motorcycle and scooters, to the recently constructed six-lane portion of the NH-66 in Kerala.
Cracks developed on the NH 66 stretch in Malaparamba, Kozhikode as well. (Photo Credit : X)
Ahead of the monsoon season, major cracks and partial collapses were witnessed on multiple sections of the under-construction NH-66 in Kerala. The southern state is bracing for the Southwest Monsoon, with its onset expected in the next three to four days, per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already prohibited the entry of smaller vehicles at the recently constructed six-lane portion of the NH-66.
List of recent incidents
Malappuram
On May 19, a section of the under-construction national highway near Malappuram’s Kooriyad collapsed. This severely affected the service road as well as the adjacent retaining wall. This area was built over a reclaimed paddy field. A big portion sank in, while there were wide cracks on it.
Authorities are believed to have discovered fresh cracks on the same stretch a day later, leaving the locals concerned.
Later, NHAI attributed this collapse to heavy rainfall in the region. The soil beneath the surface got displaced due to water seepage and increased pore pressure, NHAI Project Director Anshul Sharma said.
According to Onmanorama, cracks extending up to 100 meters were also witnessed on the National Highway in the Thalappara region of the district. Post the damage, the authorities had to divert the vehicular movement via the service road.
Kozhikode
Cracks have even developed on the stretch of NH 66 in Malaparamba, Kozhikode. The widening process is currently in the final stage in this area.
Kasaragod
Authorities were left concerned after a portion of the service road caved in. This incident happened between Chengala and Nileshwar near the Kalyan Road in the district’s Kanhangad region.
Traffic movement was affected due to this incident.
Thrissur
As per reports, a crack of more than 50 meters was seen on the tarred road of the National Highway in Thrissur’s Chavakkad region.
NHAI’s Anshul Sharma earlier said the authority has constituted a three-member independent committee that will investigate the collapse in Malappuram district. It will do an analysis of the structural design and execute methods to find out the root causes behind the incident to further recommend corrective measures.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that looking at the recent incidents the state government will hold a meeting with the NHAI officials at the earliest.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
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