Will the Public Accounts Committee Investigate Poor Quality of NH 66 Construction in Kerala?
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Synopsis
On May 28, K.C. Venugopal, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, expressed his intent to address significant issues regarding the construction of NH 66 in Kerala. With reports of cracks and pits surfacing, the situation raises crucial questions about the project's management and the role of state governance.
Key Takeaways
- Public Accounts Committee will investigate NH 66 issues.
- Concerns about construction quality have been raised.
- Kerala government’s role is under scrutiny.
- Upcoming Nilambur Assembly bye-election may influence political responses.
- Transparency and accountability are crucial for public trust.
Malappuram, May 28 (NationPress) The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, K.C. Venugopal, stated on Wednesday that he intends to address the issues of pits and cracks in the ongoing construction of National Highway (NH) 66 across several districts in Kerala.
After inspecting the site of the sunken pits, Venugopal expressed the importance of witnessing the issues firsthand to effectively present the matter during the PAC meeting scheduled for Thursday.
"This highway is a significant state project, with complaints emerging from various districts, including Alappuzha," Venugopal mentioned.
He raised concerns regarding the design of NH 66, questioning its suitability for Kerala's unique topography, as numerous grievances continue to arise.
Venugopal, who also serves as the AICC General Secretary (Organisation), stated, "I have formally inquired with the National Highway Authority of India about the involvement of the Kerala government. It's essential to recognize that the state is a key stakeholder and we need to investigate its contributions to this project."
Criticizing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his son-in-law, Kerala PWD Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, Venugopal noted, "Before the reports of the NH 66's collapse emerged, both were quick to take credit, but now they are notably silent."
He also requested a comprehensive report from the relevant authorities, indicating that there seems to have been undue haste in advancing the project.
As the Nilambur Assembly bye-election approaches on June 19, Congress campaign leaders are leveraging the deteriorating state of NH 66, particularly in Malappuram.
It is noteworthy that both Riyas and Vijayan have been asserting that without the Left government, this highway would not exist.
Point of View
It's imperative to approach the concerns regarding NH 66 with a balanced perspective. While the urgency to address infrastructure issues is evident, it is equally important to hold all stakeholders accountable, including government entities involved in planning and execution. Transparency and quality assurance must remain at the forefront to foster trust among the public.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What issues were raised about NH 66?
Concerns about pits and cracks in the construction of NH 66 were highlighted, suggesting potential design flaws and hasty execution.
Who is K.C. Venugopal?
K.C. Venugopal is the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and also serves as the AICC General Secretary (Organisation).
What role does the Kerala government play in NH 66?
The Kerala government is a stakeholder in the NH 66 project, and inquiries have been made regarding its contributions and oversight.
When is the Nilambur Assembly bye-election?
The Nilambur Assembly bye-election is scheduled for June 19.
What are the implications of the NH 66 issues?
The issues raise concerns about infrastructure management and could impact public trust in government projects.
