KOCHI : A contractor involved in the construction of the Kodungallur–Edappally section of National Highway 66 has been debarred for one year after authorities detected substandard work during inspections.
According to National Highways officials, the contractor was directed to carry out rectification works at its own expense after deficiencies were identified in several components of the project. The defects included issues in minor bridge works, improper backfill material used for reinforced soil (RS) walls, inadequate safety precautions, delayed grouting of girders, bulging of bearings and poor-quality reinforced earth (RE) panels.
In a separate action, authorities imposed a penalty of ₹30 lakh on a contractor and ₹5 lakh on the Independent Engineer following a soil-nailing collapse on the Chengala–Neeleshwaram section of NH-66.
The action is part of ongoing efforts by the National Highways authorities to enforce quality standards and ensure accountability in highway construction projects.
National Highways authorities in Kerala have penalised contractors a total of ₹31.19 crore in 2025 for quality lapses on NH-66, with Kochi recording the highest penalties. A key contractor on the Kodungallur–Edappally stretch was debarred for a year and ordered to rectify defects at its own cost, underscoring stricter enforcement of construction standards and accountability.