A section of NH-66 under construction at Kooriyad collapsed on May 19, 2025 when the foundation soil failed under a high embankment load; the retaining wall collapsed again days later. NHAI suspended its project director, terminated the site engineer, debarred contractor KNR Constructions for up to a year, and fined it ₹20 lakh.
On record
The official record states: "An NHAI-appointed expert panel found "the collapse occurred due to the foundation soil's inability to bear the high embankment load.""
Filed as "Collapsed (under construction); rebuilt at contractor's expense" and dated to 2025, this entry sits under the "~₹80 crore (rebuild cost)" line of the public accounts.
What to expect
- A surface that renegotiates its shape with every monsoon.
- Potholes deep enough to have their own microclimate.
- Freshly laid tar, laid with real optimism.
- A resurfacing crew that will, in time, return.
Sourcing
2 public sources — news reports, RTI replies and civic archives — corroborate this entry. The citation trail is listed below for anyone who would like to follow up with the department concerned.
“Every year it is 'targeted for this year'.”— Blunderlust Editorial Desk
Sources
- https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/05/29/nh-66-malappuram-collapse-nhai-project.html
- https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/05/29/national-highway-accident-again-kooriyad-malappuram-retaining-wall-collapses.html
Visitor reviews
“Came with low expectations and a fully charged phone. Bring water, shade and low expectations.”
“Took the family here on a Sunday when the traffic allowed it. The pigeons have made better use of it than the public.”
“Got dropped off at the wrong gate and discovered it that way. It stands as proof that money can be spent standing still.”