NHAI Takes Swift Action After Kollam Wall Collapse
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is responding rapidly to the collapse of a Reinforced Soil Wall at Mylakkadu in Kollam District, which occurred on December 5, 2025. This incident involved a 9.4-meter high RS Wall that served as the approach to a vehicular underpass under the Kollam – Kadambattukonam Project. Preliminary investigations indicate that the failure was due to a deep-seated shear and bearing capacity issue, highlighting that the soil at the foundation lacked the strength needed to support the fill.
In a decisive move to ensure accountability, NHAI has temporarily suspended the Concessionaire, M/s Shivalaya, and the Independent Engineer, M/s Feedback – Satra JV, from future bidding opportunities. These entities have been issued Show Cause Notices that could lead to debarment for up to three years for the Concessionaire and up to two years for the Independent Engineer. Additionally, the Project Manager from the Concessionaire and the Resident Engineer from the Independent Engineer’s team have been immediately removed from the project site.
Expert Investigations Underway
While the technology behind RS Walls is generally reliable, this failure raises significant concerns about the quality and bearing capacity of the soil used in the construction of these structures along NH-66. To address these issues, NHAI is implementing a series of comprehensive initiatives.
First, a high-level Expert Committee, including notable engineers Dr. Jimmy Thomas from IIT-Kanpur and Dr. T.K. Sudheesh from IIT-Palakkad, visited the collapse site on December 6 to investigate the failure and recommend remedial actions. This investigation builds upon previous insights from another expert group formed after a earlier incident at Kooriyad.
Intensive Soil Testing Initiated
NHAI is also undertaking extensive soil testing across NH-66. Eighteen Geotechnical Agencies have been commissioned to conduct detailed soil sampling and testing at 378 locations of RS Walls across 18 projects in Kerala. These assessments will cover structures that are already in place, those under construction, and future builds. Teams are expected to mobilize within the next 7-10 days, with initial tests at 100 locations targeted for completion within a month and all assessments finalized within three months.
Focus on Design Integrity and Safety
Upon receiving the comprehensive reports from these field and laboratory tests, NHAI will reassess the design and construction parameters of every RS Wall. Any necessary remedial actions, including dismantling and reconstruction where warranted, will be executed before the acceptance of RS Walls is finalized. Accountability measures will be introduced to address any deficiencies identified during this review process.
In addition to these actions, following a separate incident involving the collapse of girders on the Aroor-Thuravoor Elevated Road Project in November, NHAI has enlisted RITES to conduct safety audits. These audits are set to expand to additional NH-66 projects to proactively identify and mitigate potential safety concerns.
NHAI reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety for public infrastructure, assuring that all necessary measures will be taken to protect the integrity of the National Highway 66 corridor.
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