NHAI Blacklists Megha Engineering Over Critical Slope Failure on NH-66 in Kerala

A slope protection collapse occurred in Chekilla, Kerala, on 16th June 2025, due to improper design, inadequate slope protection, and poor drainage. Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd. was debarred from future bids and issued a Show Cause Notice. The project is under Hybrid Annuity Mode, with concessionaire responsible for 15 years of maintenance. NHAI has constituted an expert committee to investigate and recommend corrective actions.

Audit report cited “non-compliance with geotechnical standards, poor execution of slope protection measures, and inadequate drainage” as the primary causes behind the failure. In response, issued a notice blacklisting MEIL from participating in new national highway projects for a defined period. The decision reflects the authority’s tightening control over construction quality, especially in ecologically sensitive zones (NHAI website)

The National Highways Authority of India has taken strict action against Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) by debarring the company from participating in future highway projects for a period of time. This decision comes after a serious slope protection failure was reported on a section of NH-66 in Kerala, raising grave concerns about the structural safety and quality standards followed during the construction. The failure led to large-scale soil erosion and posed significant risks to public safety and traffic movement in the region. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from both the public and experts, prompting NHAI to initiate a detailed inquiry.

Background of the Project

The stretch under scrutiny forms part of the Kasaragod to Thalappady section of NH-66, which was awarded to MEIL as part of India’s massive highway expansion program under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The project is strategically important as NH-66 is one of the major coastal corridors in the country, connecting Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa with Maharashtra. MEIL was tasked with the construction and slope stabilization works, which are critical in hilly terrains, especially during the monsoon season.

Nature of the Failure

According to NHAI’s technical audit report, the slope failure was attributed to poor engineering design, lack of quality control, and non-compliance with standard construction norms. The company reportedly ignored critical geotechnical guidelines and failed to ensure adequate drainage systems, which worsened the situation during heavy rains. The collapsed section disrupted traffic and triggered panic among commuters, forcing authorities to initiate temporary diversions and emergency stabilization efforts.

NHAI’s Action and Implications

Following this, NHAI has debarred MEIL from bidding for new highway projects across the country, marking a rare instance of such strict enforcement by the authority. (NHAI’s) This action sends a strong message to other infrastructure firms about the importance of maintaining high safety and quality standards. NHAI also plans to enhance its third-party inspection mechanism to avoid such failures in the future.

Broader Impact on Road Infrastructure Projects

This incident comes at a time when India is pushing forward with massive road development projects including the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Ganga Expressway, and other strategic corridors under The debarment of a major player like MEIL could affect timelines in ongoing projects, especially in southern states. However, NHAI has clarified that it will ensure alternate arrangements to minimize disruption.

Looking Ahead

This incident has sparked fresh debate on the accountability of private contractors and the need for tighter project supervision. As India accelerates its infrastructure push, safety cannot be compromised for speed. NHAI’s bold step against MEIL could become a precedent-setting move in enforcing stricter quality controls across national highway projects.