Call for quality audit gains momentum as defects surface on NH in Kozhikode

Local action committees, political parties and residents’ forums have sought the immediate intervention of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to conduct a scientific quality check on the works already executed as part of the six-laning of the national highway (NH) stretch between Kozhikode and Mahe. The demand follows a series of recent incidents that have put the quality and safety of the ongoing construction under serious public scrutiny.

Fresh concerns were triggered after a retaining wall under construction on the Kozhikode-Vadakara stretch of the NH recently developed cracks. The wall reportedly split and gave way suddenly, raising fears among local residents that further collapse could pose a grave threat to vehicles using the service road. Local body representatives have brought the matter to the attention of the district administration demanding urgent repairs and enhanced safety measures.

Around the same time, another accident was reported on the Koyilandy stretch of the NH, a section subcontracted by the Adani group to the Wagad Infra Projects. Some of the local residents alleged “poor workmanship and substandard construction practices” on the stretch.

In the wake of the two incidents, the local residents along with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and Congress activists staged protests accusing contractors of compromising construction quality and public safety. Protesters sought independent technical inspections, immediate rectification of defects and accountability from both the main and sub-contractors before further work is allowed to proceed.

During the monsoon season also, there were widespread complaints against the cracks developed on different stretches of the road. Ambalappady and Thiruvangur were the two major spots where the cracks were detected triggering panic among motorists.

Meanwhile, the engineers associated with the contracting companies denied the allegations and claimed that they would leave the field only after addressing all issues. They also said the work was still under the close monitoring of NHAI authorities.

Earlier also, there were complaints related to frequent waterlogging along some stretches and cave ins of retaining walls at several locations near Malaparamba and Pantheerankavu. The issue was later taken up by M.K. Raghavan, MP, who had drawn the attention of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for immediate action.

Members of a local action committee in Vadakara said a previous inspection carried out by the NHAI engineers following public complaints was unsatisfactory as the officials associated with the field-level inspections did not meet the local people to understand their grievances. They alleged that the inspection was carried out in a nominal way without conducting any detailed study.