An incident of collapse of slope protection works at Cherkkala in Kasaragod district was reported on Chengala - Neeleshwaram Section of NH-66 in Kerala on 16^th June 2025. The incident was caused due to improper design, inadequate slope protection works and poor drainage system.

Concessionaire and its Promoter, M/s Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd., has been debarred from participating in future bids due to their failure to execute adequate slope protection works and make proper drainage system to mitigate such risks. A Show Cause Notice has also been issued to the Concessionaire for debarment of one year including levy of monetary penalty of up to Rs.09 crore.

The project is on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), where the concessionaire has to maintain this section for 15 years and will reconstruct the slope protection works on their own cost.

An expert committee with senior scientist of Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), Retd. Prof. of IIT-Palakkad and Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been constituted to visit the site and review the design and construction of NH-66 in the State of Kerala. The committee will also suggest detailed remedial measures for the project. NHAI is taking all essential steps to ensure necessary measures are taken to address this incident.

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GDH/HR

Kerela Press Release