Heavy rainwater floods residential areas due to faulty drainage on NH-66 in Malappuram

Moonniyur (Malappuram): Heavy rains in the region have exposed serious flaws in the drainage system of the newly constructed six-lane National Highway 66, particularly near Velimukku and Chelari. Excess water from the highway is gushing onto service roads and adjacent residential areas, causing widespread disruption and safety hazards.

Locals report that during heavy downpours, large volumes of water cascade through small openings on either side of the highway, pouring directly onto the service roads. While some locations have PVC pipes installed beneath the retaining walls to channel the flow, many areas—especially underpasses—lack any such provision. As a result, water from elevated sections of the highway crashes down onto the roads, splashing violently onto passing vehicles and two-wheeler riders, creating dangerous driving conditions and a risk of accidents.

Residents of Thalappara, Velimukku, Palakkal, Padikkal, and Chelari, all under the jurisdiction of the Moonniyur Grama Panchayat, are bearing the brunt of this poorly managed drainage system. Rainwater flowing from the highway to the service roads floods nearby compounds and courtyards, turning them into pools of murky water. Families are often stranded indoors, with thick mud and wastewater blocking their courtyards.

Though the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) constructed a drainage canal alongside the service roads, locals argue that it is vastly inadequate to handle the volume of water discharged. Moreover, no scientific method has been adopted to divert rainwater from the canal into appropriate destinations such as paddy fields or streams, leading to waterlogging and further distress.

Vallikkunnu MLA P. Abdul Hameed and the Moonniyur Panchayat had previously raised the issue with the NHAI. A formal complaint was lodged with B.L. Meena, the Regional Officer of the NHAI in Thiruvananthapuram. The MLA highlighted that drainage outlets have been constructed at 17 locations between Idimuzhikkal and Thalappara. However, the collected water is being redirected straight into residential zones, which has exacerbated the situation.

Officials have demanded scientifically planned construction to ensure proper water diversion, but the NHAI reportedly refused to take responsibility for any system beyond 45 metres from the highway, arguing that local governing bodies should manage such matters. This stance, according to residents, is both irresponsible and hazardous.

Ongoing concerns with NH-66 construction

Several other issues have plagued the highway construction in Malappuram district. KNRCL, responsible for the 39.68 km stretch from Ramanattukara to Valanchery and the 37.35 km stretch from Valanchery to Kappirikkad, has been accused of proceeding without conducting proper scientific studies or gaining an adequate understanding of the local topography.

In November, a section of the highway at Panthepalam in Ponnani subsided, raising concerns due to its location in a low-lying paddy field. Despite assurances from the company that the issue would be addressed before the monsoon, locals claim no action has been taken. In Kuttippuram, fears of landslides persist, as roads have been constructed at considerable heights in areas like Mini Pampa, Bungalow Kunnu, and Painkannur without adequate rainwater drainage systems.

Similarly, part of the road at Kakkad collapsed last year following waterlogging in July, leading to the subsidence of the nearby service road. Locals allege that construction quality was compromised, citing inadequate soil testing and the use of substandard bricks.

In Kooriyad, rainwater accumulation is a recurring issue due to the new road being constructed at a lower elevation than its predecessor, affecting traffic flow during the rainy season. At Kolappuram, a bridge intended as an alternative route during traffic congestion has often caused severe bottlenecks due to faulty construction.

Additionally, during construction at Kohinoor, service roads lacked proper warning signs near open drains, prompting public outrage.

Will the project be delayed?

Both residents and commuters are increasingly concerned about further delays in completing the two stretches of highway. The existing construction flaws, particularly at Kooriyad, have heightened uncertainty. There is even confusion over whether the construction company has been officially removed from the project.

Initial estimates pegged the construction cost at ₹4,507.5 crore, excluding land acquisition. However, due to structural failures and repeated repairs, costs are expected to rise further.

Although the completion deadline has been extended multiple times, authorities had hoped to finish the project by June this year. The project includes roads, bridges, overpasses, underpasses, and entry/exit points, and also features a state-of-the-art toll plaza with sensors and surveillance cameras at Vettichira.