Kollam Flyover Collapse: CM Clarifies State Has No Role in NH Works

Thrissur: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the Kerala Public Works Department has no role in the construction of national highways and that the responsibility lies completely with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He was responding to questions about the collapse of an under-construction flyover on the NH-66 in Kollam district on Friday. The retaining wall of the flyover at the Kadampattukonam–Kollam stretch in Kottiyam caved in, damaging the service road below. Several vehicles, including a school bus, were caught on the broken stretch just metres away from the collapsed section.

The Chief Minister said attempts were being made to frame the incident in a way that shifts blame onto the state government, even though national highway works—including design, technical approvals, and construction—are entirely under the NHAI. He noted that the agency follows its own systems and procedures and that the state has no involvement in these stages.

“From our experience, we have noticed lapses within the NHAI system. But the state PWD has no role in national highway construction,” Pinarayi Vijayan said, reiterating that national highways are fully under the authority of the NHAI.

When asked about meetings convened by PWD Minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas related to NH works, CM explained that these discussions are part of the state government’s efforts to monitor overall development and ensure progress, and do not mean intervention in NHAI’s responsibilities. He added that he had recently spoken to the NHAI regional officer only to review updates on ongoing work.

Addressing criticism over recent collapses involving under-construction national highway stretches, the Chief Minister said it is for the NHAI to assess whether its designs suit the geography and conditions of specific regions. In several cases, the state had already pointed out shortcomings in NHAI assessments and brought them to the agency’s attention, he added.

Pinarayi Vijayan also cautioned against generalising the issue. One incident, he said, should not be used to claim that all national highway projects in the state are problematic, especially when the responsibility for those projects rests with the central agency.