Kollam Member of Parliament N K Premachandran has made an urgent appeal to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, calling for an immediate investigation into the recent collapse of an elevated road section on National Highway 66. The incident occurred at Milekkad in the Kollam district, raising serious concerns about the structural integrity of the infrastructure and public safety.
MP Flags Unscientific Construction
In a strongly-worded statement, MP N K Premachandran attributed the collapse to what he described as unscientific construction methods. He highlighted that the recurring accidents at the site are direct proof of flawed engineering. The current elevated road, built using earth-retaining walls, has proven to be unstable and hazardous, according to the parliamentarian's assessment.
Premachandran emphasized that the continuous nature of these incidents leaves no doubt about the technical deficiencies in the project's design and execution. The safety of thousands of daily commuters and the security of property along this crucial highway corridor are now under severe threat.
Demand for Expert Inspection and Safer Design
The MP has put forward a clear technical alternative to prevent future disasters. He has urged the ministry to consider constructing an elevated highway on pillars instead of relying on the current earth-retaining wall system. This method is widely considered more robust and scientifically sound for such infrastructure.
His demands to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari include several critical actions:
- An immediate expert inspection to reassess the entire construction methodology of the elevated road.
- Concrete steps to ensure the absolute safety of passengers and property on the service road adjacent to the collapsed section.
- Providing adequate compensation for vehicles damaged in the recent collapse incident.
Broader Implications for Highway Safety
This incident on National Highway 66 at Milekkad, Kollam is not an isolated one but points to a larger issue of construction quality and oversight in major infrastructure projects. The call for an investigation seeks to hold responsible parties accountable and set a precedent for rigorous safety standards.
The collapse has disrupted traffic and created a palpable sense of insecurity among the local population and regular highway users. A swift and transparent probe, as demanded by the MP, is essential to restore public confidence and ensure that corrective measures are implemented before another tragedy occurs.
The ball is now in the court of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. How it responds to this urgent appeal from Kollam's representative will be closely watched, as it concerns the fundamental right of citizens to safe travel on national highways.
