The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken decisive action against contractors and officials following incidents of damaged or collapsed highway sections in different parts of India. These actions underscore NHAI's commitment to maintaining quality and safety in highway construction projects.

In one instance, after a video circulated showing a damaged portion of an under-construction section of the Amritsar-Jamnagar Economic Corridor in Gujarat, NHAI immediately suspended the project's contractor, the authority engineer, and one of its own officials. This swift response highlights NHAI's zero-tolerance policy towards substandard work and its determination to hold those responsible accountable.

Separately, the collapse of a section of National Highway 66 at Kooriyad, Malappuram, Kerala, on May 19, 2025, led to even more severe repercussions. NHAI suspended its project director and terminated the services of the site engineer. An investigation revealed serious lapses by the contractor, KNR Constructions, including inadequate soil assessment and neglect of land reinforcement. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways imposed a ₹20 lakh fine on KNR Constructions and debarred them from bidding on new projects for one year. The contractor is also required to remove the debris and reconstruct the damaged flyover at their own cost, estimated at around ₹80 crore.

NHAI's actions extended beyond just penalizing the contractor. Show cause notices were issued to design consultants Strata Geosystem Mumbai and HBS Infra Engineers, Hyderabad, along with safety consultant Sri Infotech, holding them accountable for design and safety flaws.

Furthermore, NHAI constituted several committees to investigate the matter and prevent future incidents. An expert panel, led by a retired IIT-Delhi professor, was formed to assess the failure and suggest remedial measures. Another committee was created to inspect other potentially vulnerable locations with Reinforced Soil Walls and Slope Protection Works across 17 ongoing NH-66 projects in Kerala. Additionally, a technical team including representatives from IIT Palakkad, the Geological Survey of India, and the Central Road Research Institute was formed for further investigation.

NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav and Secretary to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, V Umashankar, admitted before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that a design flaw had contributed to the collapse. The PAC has directed the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to conduct a performance audit and submit a report within three weeks.

These incidents and the subsequent actions taken by NHAI highlight the importance of thorough investigation, strict quality control, and accountability in highway construction projects. NHAI's commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of national highways is evident in its willingness to take strong action against those found responsible for negligence or substandard work.