Centre debars KNR constructions over National Highway collapse
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Thiruvananthapuram: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken action against Hyderabad-based KNR Constructions Limited following the collapse of sections of National Highway 66 in Kerala.
In addition to banning the construction company, sources confirmed that the project's consultants, Highway Engineering Company, have also been barred.
Furthermore, two senior officials involved in the project—Construction Project Manager M. Amarnath Reddy and team leader Raj Kumar—have been suspended.
On May 19, the under-construction National Highway 66 at Kooriyad in Malappuram district collapsed, while the retaining wall and service road sank in.
Lok Sabha member from Malappuram district E.T. Mohammed Basheer, early this week, called on Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and expressed concerns about the construction of the highway. Gadkari had assured Basheer of prompt action.
On Wednesday, Kerala Congress president Sunny Joseph asked the Pinarayi Vijayan government to ensure responsibilities are fixed.
Protesters have directed their criticism at State Public Works Department Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, who is also Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s son-in-law. Riyas has frequently taken credit for the extensive road development since assuming office in 2021, while Vijayan has also faced criticism from various stakeholders.
In response, Minister Riyas argued that the Congress-led UDF had consistently opposed the project, citing their inability to make progress on it during their tenure.
“After the incident happened, Congress saw it as a good opportunity to criticise us. But they should realise that this is a challenge against the people. We will go forward resolving all the issues,” said Riyas.
The Centre has also appointed veteran former IIT Delhi Professor K.R. Rao, an expert in roads and construction, to conduct an in-depth study of the incident.
Congress Lok Sabha member Shafi Parambil welcomed the appointment, saying, “This decision was expected. There has to be a detailed examination of the projects. In the Parliament, we have brought this up on a few occasions. We are hoping that things will now go forward smoothly.”
(inputs from IANS)