Is the Collapsing Retaining Wall an Ongoing Crisis for Kerala's Kollam Highway?
Synopsis
K.C. Venugopal has raised alarm over repeated collapses of retaining walls on Kerala's Kollam highway, emphasizing the need for accountability amidst corruption. The latest incident serves as a critical reminder of the safety failures in public infrastructure projects. Can the state government prioritize safety over political gains?
Key Takeaways
Multiple collapses have raised alarms over highway safety in Kerala.
Venugopal emphasizes the need for accountability.
Corruption and mismanagement are cited as root causes.
The Kerala government is urged to prioritize safety over political gain.
Public safety is at risk due to ongoing negligence.
New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) AICC general secretary and chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament, K.C. Venugopal, expressed strong criticism towards the Kerala government and national highway authorities following yet another retaining wall collapse along the under-construction highway near Kottiyam in Kollam.
Describing it as “an unending saga of collapses,” Venugopal emphasized that this incident highlights severe safety oversights and entrenched corruption within the highway project implementation.
While addressing the media, Venugopal recalled inspecting a previous collapse in North Kerala and raising the issue at the PAC meeting, where authorities admitted to procedural lapses.
“Today, the same situation has arisen at Kottiyam in Kollam. This is not an isolated incident; it indicates a troubling trend. It raises significant concerns about construction quality and oversight,” he stated.
Venugopal urged that the recent collapse should act as a wake-up call for both the Union and state governments, cautioning that ongoing negligence poses risks to public safety.
“This is a critical safety issue. It’s a clear case of corruption,” he asserted.
Additionally, he criticized the Kerala government, stating its priorities are misaligned.
“The Kerala government is primarily focused on completing the project as elections approach, seeking to take credit rather than ensuring safety,” Venugopal articulated.
He noted that expedited project execution for political gains should not compromise public safety.
With multiple collapses reported across the state in recent years—from Kozhikode to Kannur to Kollam—Venugopal announced that the PAC would revisit this issue to hold all responsible parties accountable.
“Those accountable for these repeated failures must be identified, and action must ensue. Both public funds and safety are at stake,” he mentioned, highlighting the crucial role of district collectors in the project.
A woman who was in her car at the time of the incident described it as a shocking ordeal.
“It was terrifying. I stopped the car and ran for safety as the road cracked, causing the side walls and electric posts to tremble,” she recounted.
In the meantime, State PWD Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas has requested an immediate report on this incident from the relevant authorities.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the implications of this ongoing issue in Kerala. The repeated incidents of infrastructure failures not only endanger lives but also reflect systemic governance issues. A proactive approach is necessary to ensure accountability and prioritize public safety over political interests.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the collapse of the retaining wall in Kollam?
The collapse indicates significant safety failures and possible corruption in the highway project implementation.
Who is K.C. Venugopal?
K.C. Venugopal is the AICC general secretary and chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, known for addressing public accountability issues.
What is being done about the repeated collapses on Kerala highways?
The Public Accounts Committee plans to investigate and hold responsible parties accountable for the frequent collapses.
How does this issue affect public safety?
The ongoing negligence in infrastructure projects poses serious risks to the safety of individuals using these highways.
What actions has the Kerala government taken in response?
State PWD Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas has requested an immediate report from the concerned authorities about the incident.
