Kerala NH-66 Collapse: NHAI Bars Megha Engineering For 1 Year Over Safety Lapses

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the country's highway development authority has imposed a year-long ban on a major infrastructure company following safety lapses that led to a slope collapse on a Kerala highway project, says a report by ET Infra.

The NHAI announced on Tuesday that Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited will be barred from bidding on new projects for 12 months. The decision follows the firm's inadequate implementation of safety measures on the Chengala-Neeleshwaram stretch of National Highway 66.

What Triggered Regulatory Action

The highway authority cited insufficient slope stabilisation work and defective drainage infrastructure as primary concerns in the 77-kilometre road expansion project spanning Chengala-Neeleshwaram to Neeleshwaram-Thaliparmba sections.

"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 June 16, 2025. The incident was caused due to improper design, inadequate slope protection works, and poor drainage system," an official communication stated, as per the ET report.

Penalties And Show Cause Notice

Beyond the bidding restriction, MEIL faces likely financial consequences up to ₹9 crore. The company has received formal notice regarding both the temporary debarment and possible monetary sanctions.

The highway authority's statement indicates concerns about the contractor's ability to properly manage geological risks through appropriate engineering solutions and water management systems along the coastal highway corridor.