Retaining Wall Subsides at Kottiyam NH Site; Service Road Severely Damaged

Kollam: A retaining wall along the national highway under construction at Kottiyam in Kollam district tilted and subsided outward on Thursday, causing the adjoining service road to sink and crack extensively. The incident occurred near Mylakkad, where several vehicles, including a school bus, became stranded as the ground gave way. A large stretch of the service road has suffered severe damage. All children in the school bus were safely evacuated.

Kerala Public Works Minister Mohammed Riyas has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. He directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to submit a detailed explanation. The minister said the collapse raised serious concerns about construction quality and safety.

NHAI officials said technical experts will be deployed to inspect the site and determine the cause of the wall’s subsidence. Authorities have cordoned off the affected area and diverted traffic to ensure safety. Emergency personnel remain at the site to monitor the situation and prevent further damage.