Structural failures continue to plague NH 66 in Kollam

With the concrete panels reportedly cracking and shifting under the weight of construction machinery, serious concerns have been raised over the structural integrity of the newly constructed reinforced soil (RS) retaining walls along the National Highway 66 at Kottiyam and Parakkulam in the district.

Residents and local action groups allege that the walls are on the verge of collapse as the concrete structures struggle to withstand the internal pressure of the earth filling. While the construction company initially dismissed the damage as minor chipping caused by cranes during the installation of the panels, residents allege that the firm carried out extensive maintenance work using cement in several completed sections.

Superficial repairs

“The superficial nature of these repairs was exposed last week when heavy tipper trucks and road rollers moved onto the elevated highway for tarring works. The vibrations and immense pressure caused the previously repaired sections to break apart and fall off, signalling deeper structural instability,” said Riyas Rasheed, who is part of the joint front of protestors demanding a viaduct instead of RS walls.

The Kottiyam Samyukta Samara Samiti points out that since the current damage occurred under the weight of a few construction vehicles, a total structural failure is inevitable when vehicles including heavy freight lorries begin plying the route once it is commissioned. In the Parakkulam area, RS panels had already begun bulging outward last month, suggesting that the earth beneath is settling unevenly.

“Investigations following a previous accident at Mylakkad revealed that the soil composition in the region includes a layer of soft and slushy part extending up to eight metres deep. Alarmingly, soil testing in Kottiyam was reportedly conducted only after 80% of the construction was finalised. This lack of foundational assessment is being cited as the primary reason for the cracks and structural shifts seen in the Kottiyam and Parakkulam sectors, as the heavy embankments were built on unstable ground without adequate reinforcement,” said the protesters.

PWD assurance

In response to a complaint filed by the Samara Samiti, the Public Works department (PWD) had assured that expert agencies have been appointed to study the highway structures and that any decision on reconstruction will be taken only after considering the social concerns. “We have also moved the High Court, demanding that the failing earthen embankments be completely demolished,” they added.