Is Kerala's Highway Project Falling Apart? Venugopal Critiques Government Over Kollam Collapse
Synopsis
K.C. Venugopal has sharply criticized the Kerala government for a series of collapses in highway construction, highlighting safety concerns and corruption. With repeated incidents raising alarms, will the government act before more lives are endangered?
Key Takeaways
Recent retaining wall collapse: Highlighting ongoing safety issues in Kerala's highway projects.
Calls for accountability: K.C.
Venugopal demands responsibility from government officials.
Public safety concerns: Ongoing negligence could risk lives.
Corruption allegations: Venugopal accuses the government of prioritizing political gains over safety.
Need for oversight: Ensuring construction quality and proper project management is crucial.
New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) K.C. Venugopal, the AICC general secretary and head of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Parliament, has criticized the Kerala government following yet another collapse of a retaining wall along the under-construction National Highway near Kottiyam in Kollam.
Referring to the situation as an “endless series of collapses,” Venugopal emphasized that this incident highlights significant safety issues and pervasive corruption related to the highway project's execution.
In a statement to the press, Venugopal noted that he had previously examined a similar collapse in northern Kerala and had addressed the issue in a PAC meeting.
“They acknowledged the shortcomings in the handling of the situation,” he remarked.
“Today, we have witnessed a similar occurrence at Kottiyam in Kollam. This is not an isolated incident; it indicates a troubling trend. It raises serious questions about the construction quality and the absence of proper oversight,” he stated.
Venugopal warned that this latest incident should act as a wake-up call for both the Union and state governments, cautioning that ongoing negligence could endanger lives.
“This is a critical safety issue. It is nothing short of corruption,” he accused.
He further condemned the Kerala government for its misplaced priorities.
“The state government is primarily focused on completing the project ahead of the elections to claim credit,” Venugopal said.
He insisted that the rush to finish projects for political purposes should not jeopardize public safety.
With numerous collapses reported throughout the state in recent years—from Kozhikode to Kannur to Kollam—Venugopal confirmed that the PAC would revisit the matter and demand accountability from all involved parties.
“Those responsible for these repeated failures must be held accountable. Both public funds and public safety are at risk,” he asserted, highlighting the crucial role of the district collectors in this matter.
A woman, who was driving by during the incident, described the experience as shocking.
“It was terrifying. I stopped the car and fled for safety as the road began to crack, and the side walls and electric posts were shaking,” she recounted.
In response, State PWD Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas has called for an immediate investigation into the incident by the relevant authorities.
Point of View
It's imperative to approach the situation with a balanced perspective. While K.C. Venugopal raises valid concerns regarding safety and corruption in Kerala's highway projects, it's crucial to recognize the complexities involved in large-scale infrastructure development. The focus should now be on collaborative accountability to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered K.C. Venugopal's criticism of the Kerala government?
Venugopal criticized the Kerala government in response to the collapse of a retaining wall along the National Highway near Kottiyam, calling it part of an ongoing pattern of safety failures and corruption.
What did Venugopal suggest should be done following the collapse?
He urged both the Union and state governments to treat the incident as a wake-up call and emphasized the need for accountability from all agencies involved in the highway project.
