NHAI Blames Soil Quality for NH-66 Wall Collapse, Cracks Down on Contractor

Image Source: Internet

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has identified poor soil quality and inadequate bearing capacity as the primary causes behind the collapse of a reinforced soil (RS) wall on the NH-66 highway in Kollam, Kerala. The 9.4-meter-high wall, which was part of an under-construction vehicular underpass, gave way on December 5. According to NHAI, the collapse was a result of deep-seated shear or bearing capacity failure, where the soil at the foundation was unable to support the structure. In response to the incident, the agency has taken swift action, temporarily suspending the concessionaire and its promoters from bidding on future projects. They have also been issued show-cause notices and monetary penalties. The project manager and resident engineer have been removed from the project site. NHAI has also appointed a high-level expert committee to investigate the failure and recommend corrective measures. Moreover, the agency has launched a comprehensive review of RS walls across 18 projects in Kerala, involving soil sampling and testing at 378 structures. The findings of an earlier expert committee, set up after the Kooriyad NH collapse, are being implemented. NHAI has also engaged RITES to conduct a safety audit on other NH-66 projects, following a separate incident involving the falling of girders on the Aroor-Thuravoor Elevated Road Project in November. The agency has assured that the design and construction of every RS wall will be reassessed based on field and laboratory reports. Remedial actions, including dismantling and reconstruction of walls, will be taken where necessary. Only after the quality is confirmed will the RS walls be accepted. Accountability will be fixed for all lapses found during this review.