NHAI debars Megha Engineering after NH-66 slope collapse in Kerala
On 17 June 2025, NHAI said it had debarred concessionaire Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd. from future bids after slope protection works collapsed on NH-66 at Cherkkala in Kasaragod district, Kerala.
Summary
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said on 17 June 2025 that it had debarred the concessionaire and its promoter, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd., from future bids after slope protection works collapsed at Cherkkala in Kasaragod district on the Chengala–Neeleshwaram section of NH-66 in Kerala on 16 June. NHAI attributed the incident to improper design, inadequate slope protection and poor drainage. A show cause notice was issued for one-year debarment and a penalty of up to ₹9 crore. The project is on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), so the concessionaire must maintain the section for 15 years and rebuild the works at its own cost. An expert committee with members from CRRI, IIT Palakkad and GSI will review NH-66 design and construction in Kerala.
Key facts
- Incident
- 16 June 2025, Cherkkala, Kasaragod; Chengala–Neeleshwaram section, NH-66
- Action
- Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd. debarred from future bids; show cause for 1-year debarment, penalty up to ₹9 crore
- Mode
- Hybrid Annuity Mode; 15-year maintenance by concessionaire
- Review
- Expert committee: CRRI scientist, retired IIT Palakkad professor, GSI
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which concessionaire did NHAI debar from future bids after the slope collapse on NH-66 in Kerala, as announced on 17 June 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd.
PIB (MoRTH): Concessionaire and its Promoter, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd., has been debarred from participating in future bids.
Consider the following statements about the NH-66 slope collapse in Kerala in June 2025: 1. The project is being executed in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. 2. The collapse occurred at Cherkkala in Kasaragod district. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
PIB (MoRTH): The project is on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), not EPC, and the collapse occurred at Cherkkala in Kasaragod district. So the answer is 2 only.