In the wake of the partial collapse of a national highway under construction in Kerala’s Malappuram district, infrastructure firm KNR Constructions has accepted responsibility for the structural failure. The company's Executive Director, Jalandhar Reddy, publicly acknowledged the lapse and assured that thorough investigations are underway to determine the precise cause of the incident.

Speaking to the press, Jalandhar Reddy stated that only preliminary findings are currently available and added that all necessary technical and environmental studies were conducted prior to construction. "If it is determined that a bridge is required in the area, the company is ready to build one. We will proceed strictly as per expert recommendations," he affirmed.

Reddy also highlighted KNR Constructions’ four decades of experience in infrastructure development and emphasised the company's commitment to using high-quality materials and the latest technologies in its projects.

The remarks come in the aftermath of the Centre's decision to debar KNR Constructions following the collapse of a section of National Highway 66 near Kooriyad on 19 May. The highway segment caved in, damaging the adjacent service road and raising questions about construction quality and oversight.

In addition to KNR Constructions, the project's consultant, Highway Engineering Consultant (HEC), has also been barred from further participation in national highway projects. Furthermore, Project Manager M. Amarnath Reddy and Raj Kumar, the team leader who supervised the construction, have been suspended. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways ordered the punitive measures based on findings from an initial inquiry.

The preliminary investigation was carried out by a two-member team comprising Dr. Jimmy Thomas and Dr. Anil Dixit. Their report formed the basis for the Centre’s immediate action. A more in-depth inquiry is now being led by Prof. G.V. Rao from IIT Delhi, who will submit a comprehensive report to the Union Government.

In a broader move, the Centre has also directed a thorough review of all national highway development projects currently underway in Kerala.