Kollam Member of Parliament N K Premachandran has made a strong appeal to the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to address critical safety concerns on a national highway in his constituency. The MP has demanded the replacement of existing earthen elevated road sections on NH 66 with modern, pillar-based elevated roads following a thorough scientific examination.
Raising the Alarm on Unscientific Construction
In his urgent request, Premachandran argued that the current method of constructing elevated roads using earth fill is fundamentally flawed and hazardous. He emphasized that such construction does not take into account vital local factors like soil composition, topography, and climate, making it an unscientific approach for a region like Kollam. The MP stressed that this oversight poses a significant long-term risk to commuter safety and infrastructure durability on this crucial highway corridor.
A Persistent Issue Brought to Parliament
Premachandran revealed that this is not the first time he has flagged this pressing issue. Despite raising concerns previously, no concrete solution or action was provided by the authorities. Determined to find a resolution, the MP brought the matter up again during a session in the Lok Sabha. In a positive development, the concerned minister acknowledged and agreed with the safety concerns presented by the Kollam MP, signaling a potential shift towards addressing the problem.
The Path Forward: Scientific Assessment and Modern Engineering
The core of Premachandran's demand is a shift to pillar-based elevated roads, which are considered a more robust and scientifically sound engineering solution. These structures are better suited to withstand environmental challenges and offer greater stability. The MP's call for a scientific examination before any reconstruction underscores the need for evidence-based infrastructure planning. This move aims to ensure that any future development on NH 66 prioritizes the safety of the thousands who use it daily and is built to last.
The intervention highlights the ongoing challenges in infrastructure development where traditional methods may clash with modern safety standards and geographical realities. The agreement from the minister in Parliament sets the stage for potential technical reviews and policy discussions aimed at enhancing road safety and construction standards on national highways in Kerala and beyond.
