Kozhikode: A crack has emerged on a stretch of the national highway at Mattalayi in Cheruvathur, Kasaragod. The crack, measuring approximately 50 meters in length, was detected on an embankment section of the highway near the Mattalayi Shiva temple. Officials suspect that the damage was caused by heavy rainfall during the previous night. In some areas adjacent to the crack, the tarred surface has slightly subsided.
Repair Work Initiated
Authorities have confirmed that repair work to seal the crack has already commenced. Following the incident, Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd, the company executing the highway project, began removing the asphalt layer from the affected stretch. The company is responsible for the construction and maintenance of the road.
Previous Incidents in the Area
In July 2025, Cheruvathur witnessed the collapse of a major portion of a hill onto an under-construction stretch of the road. That incident raised concerns about the safety measures employed in the project. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had taken action against Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd following a separate incident on June 16, 2025, when slope protection works collapsed on the Chengala–Neeleshwaram section of NH-66 at Cherkala in Kasaragod.
NHAI's Actions
After the June incident, NHAI debarred Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd from participating in future bids. An investigation revealed that improper design, inadequate slope protection measures, and poor drainage systems were the primary causes of the collapse. The current crack on the highway is being investigated to determine if similar factors contributed to the damage.
Local residents have expressed concerns about the safety of the highway, especially during the monsoon season. Authorities have assured that the repair work will be completed promptly to ensure the road is safe for commuters. Traffic on the affected stretch is being managed with caution, and diversions may be put in place if necessary.
The NHAI is closely monitoring the situation and has directed the contractor to follow all safety protocols during the repair process. Further inspections are planned to assess the stability of the embankment and prevent future incidents.
