Cracks, Collapses Along NH-66 Spark Safety Alarms and Political Uproar in Kerala

A series of partial collapses and widening cracks along the under-construction NH-66 in Kerala have raised serious safety concerns and sparked political controversy across the state.

The crisis deepened after part of the elevated road broke down on Monday in Kooriyad in Malappuram district. By Wednesday, the same kind of damage was reported at six places—Thalappara (Malappuram), Kanhangad and Cheruvathoor (Kasargod), Koppam (Kannur), and Chavakkad (Thrissur). In Kasargod, a section of a service road collapsed, while in Kannur, the ground gave way near Thaliparamba where work on a road is under progress.

Locals and civic groups have blamed poor construction practices, particularly landfilling in wetlands, which they say has blocked natural streams. “We had urged NHAI to build flyovers instead of landfills, but our concerns were ignored,” said a resident in Kooriyad. In response to mounting public anger, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has deployed an expert team to inspect the damage in Malappuram. The panel is expected to submit its report by Thursday.

The growing unrest has prompted calls for an independent safety audit of the entire NH-66 project. Protests erupted in multiple locations, with residents demanding immediate intervention and transparency in construction standards.

The opposition Congress has seized the opportunity to attack the ruling CPM government, which has repeatedly showcased NH development as a major achievement. “The government must take full responsibility for these grave lapses,” said Congress leaders, adding that public safety has been compromised.

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP E.T. Mohammed Basheer met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday to press for urgent action.

With construction flaws now surfacing across multiple districts, the controversy threatens to derail public confidence in one of Kerala’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.