New Delhi: The central government has taken strict action against the contractor involved in the collapse of a retaining wall near Kottiyam Mylakkadu on the Kollam-Kadambattukonam stretch of National Highway 66 in Kerala. Investigations revealed that the construction was carried out without adequate inspection.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has suspended Shivalaya Constructions, the contractor responsible for the work, along with the independent engineering consultancy firms, Feedback Infra and Satra Services, for one month. The contractor will also be barred from participating in tenders for National Highway projects during this period. Additionally, the Project Manager and Resident Engineer overseeing the project have been replaced.

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The Authority has issued a show-cause notice to the contractor, asking why they should not be debarred for up to three years and fined. Similarly, the Engineering Wing has been asked to explain why they should not be debarred for two years. The decision was communicated by the office of Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.

Experts from prestigious institutions are visiting the site as part of the inquiry and are conducting a detailed inspection. The investigation will also examine whether any lapse occurred on the part of NHAI officials. Further action will depend on the findings of the expert committee.

According to the preliminary assessment by NHAI, the inner section of the retaining wall gradually sank due to soil weakness, making it unable to bear the load. The report highlights serious lapses, including the contractor’s failure to carry out adequate geo-technical investigations and their inability to construct a robust foundation capable of supporting heavy loads.