A road cavity developed on the Thuravoor–Paravoor Project stretch of National Highway 66 (NH-66) at approximately 5:30 PM on June 30, 2026. Based on a preliminary technical assessment, the cavity is suspected to have developed due to the bursting of an underground Glass Fibre Reinforced (GFR) water pipeline last week, which is believed to have caused progressive erosion of the underlying soil beneath the pavement.
  
Immediately following the incident, a joint inspection was carried out by officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), alongside representatives from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Kerala Water Authority (KWA).  
Investigations reveal that the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor had already laid a new Ductile Iron (DI) water pipeline parallel to the affected stretch. However, because this new pipeline has yet to be commissioned and connected to the active distribution network, the older, existing GFR pipeline remained in service. The failure of this active GFR pipeline is considered to have directly caused the structural erosion of the supporting soil, leading to the cavity.  

The specific reasons behind the operational delay in commissioning the new pipeline—and the subsequent reliance on the legacy infrastructure—are currently being rigorously examined as part of an ongoing formal investigation.  

NHAI deeply regrets the temporary inconvenience caused to commuters due to this unexpected structural development. The Authority reiterates its steadfast commitment to maintaining the highest standards of infrastructure quality and road safety, ensuring a safe, seamless, and comfortable transit experience for all national highway users.

 

-SK-

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2280079) आगंतुक पटल : 19