Kochi, May 23 (UNI) Following the collapse of the under-construction six-lane NH66 in 3 places in Kerala, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has disallowed KNR Constructions Ltd from participating in ongoing and future bidding forthwith.

Project Consultant and Independent Engineer, Highway Engineering Consultant has also been disallowed from participating in ongoing and future bidding, an official release said.

NHAI said it is taking all essential steps to ensure necessary remedial measures are taken to address the situation.

A team of two experts under the supervision of a Retd. Professor from IIT-Delhi, visited the site to analyse the reason for the incident and suggest remedial measures.

The under-construction NH-66 has collapsed at 3 places, including Kooriyad, Thalapara and Kanhangad in Malappuram and Kasargod districts.

Based on the measures suggested by the expert team, work will be executed at the risk and cost of Concessionaire.

Additionally, the expert team will also suggest measures that could be taken in other ongoing projects in Kerala. Guidelines will be issued so that such incidents do not occur in other projects being implemented in the state.

A preliminary assessment by the experts has pointed to the failure of the embankment, likely due to the inability of foundation soils to support high embankment loads. UNI DS SSP