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The National Highways Authority of India has confirmed significant subsidence at one of the piers of the Moothakunnam Kottappuram bridge on NH-66 in Kerala. An inspection by an independent engineer recorded a settlement of around 500 mm. The project is being executed under a hybrid annuity model, making the concessionaire responsible for design and safety. NHAI has ordered a detailed technical investigation and corrective measures at the concessionaire's cost, while also approving INR 11.59 crore for maintenance of the adjoining highway stretch.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has acknowledged that one of the piers of the Moothakunnam Kottappuram bridge on NH-66 has undergone significant subsidence. As per findings from an independent engineer's inspection, Pier P2 of the bridge has settled by approximately 500 mm, raising structural safety concerns. Advertisement
The bridge forms part of a national highway project being implemented under the hybrid annuity model, under which the private concessionaire is responsible for design, construction, operation, maintenance, and structural safety for a period of 15 years. NHAI has clarified that the responsibility for identifying the cause of the subsidence and executing remedial measures rests entirely with the concessionaire.
Following the inspection, NHAI directed the concessionaire to appoint a specialised bridge expert team to carry out a detailed technical assessment. The team has been tasked with examining the reasons for the settlement and recommending appropriate corrective and strengthening measures. The authority has stated that all inspections, studies, and rectification works will be undertaken at the concessionaire's expense.
The issue was also raised by the Member of Parliament from Ernakulam, who submitted a petition highlighting the seriousness of the subsidence. NHAI forwarded the matter to its headquarters in New Delhi and indicated that additional independent experts may be engaged if required, depending on the findings of the technical evaluation.
Alongside the bridge assessment, NHAI's empowered committee has approved a one-time maintenance allocation of INR 11.59 crore for the existing NH-66 stretch between Moothakunnam and Edappally. The maintenance work will be carried out under the supervision of the Kerala Public Works Department's chief engineer for national highways and will follow the standards prescribed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the state PWD.
The confirmation of subsidence adds to growing scrutiny of highway infrastructure quality in Kerala, particularly on NH-66, where structural issues and execution challenges have drawn attention in recent times.
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