New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Road Transport has debarred construction firm KNR Constructions Ltd following the recent collapse of a section of the under-construction National Highway 66 near Kooriyad in Malappuram. The Ministry has also taken action against the consultancy firm, Highway Engineering Consultants (HEC).

The project manager and team leader overseeing the NH development have been suspended.

The move comes after a central technical team from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) inspected the site on Wednesday evening.

The incident, involving the caving in of one side of the elevated highway, damage to multiple vehicles, and traffic disruption between Thrissur and Kozhikode, has sparked public outcry. Furthermore, cracks, soil erosion, and slips have also been reported at other NH-66 work sites in Thrissur, Malappuram, and Kannur districts.

Following this, IUML MP E T Muhammed Basheer, who met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi on Wednesday, said the minister has assured a full investigation and strict action against those responsible. Following this, action was taken by the Centre to inspect the area and take appropriate measures.