NHAI debars Megha Engineering for Kerala NH-66 lapse

National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has debarred Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) for one year from participating in future bids. An official statement said the debarment is due to MEIL’s failure to execute adequate slope protection works and make a proper drainage system in Kerala’s Chengala – Neeleshwaram Section of NH-66.

A show cause Notice has also been issued to the MEIL for debarment of one year including levy of monetary penalty of up to Rs 9 crore. MEIL has been tasked with widening the making 77 Kilometers stretch NH 66 from Chengala-Neeleshwaram; Neeleshawam-Thaliparmba.

“An incident of collapse of slope protection works at Cherkkala in Kasaragod district was reported on Chengala – Neeleshwaram Section of NH-66 in Kerala on June 16, 2025. The incident was caused due to improper design, inadequate slope protection works, and poor drainage system,” the statement said.

The project is on Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), where MEIL has to maintain this section for 15 years and will reconstruct the slope protection works at their own cost, the statement added. An expert committee has also been tasked with suggesting detailed remedial measures for the project.