**Kerala CM Defends Government Amid Highway Collapse Criticism**
**Meta Description:** Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan defends his government against opposition claims regarding the highway collapse, emphasizing NHAI’s responsibility.
**URL Slug:** kerala-cm-defends-highway-collapse
**Headline:** Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Responds to Opposition Criticism Over Highway Collapse
In a recent incident, an under-construction elevated section of National Highway-66 in Malappuram district collapsed, prompting sharp criticism from the Opposition. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has responded firmly, asserting that the Congress party lacks the moral authority to criticize his government, as the project was inherited from a Congress-led administration that left it incomplete.
Vijayan emphasized that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) holds full responsibility for the construction of the highway, distancing the state government from the incident. His remarks came after Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan condemned both the state and central governments, labeling the highway construction as “unscientific” and alleging irregularities in the process.
The collapse occurred near Kooriyad in the western part of Malappuram district, where a protective wall fell onto a parked vehicle, fortunately resulting in no injuries. Satheesan criticized the government for hastily advancing the construction for electoral benefits and highlighted a lack of coordination with NHAI. He raised concerns about potential dangers as the monsoon season approaches, pointing out issues such as broken drinking water pipelines and missing underpasses.
The six-lane NH-66 project is considered a flagship initiative of the Vijayan government, and the recent collapse has raised questions about the management and oversight of such significant infrastructure projects. As the political discourse continues, the focus remains on ensuring safety and accountability in future construction efforts.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What caused the collapse of the NH-66 construction?**
A: The collapse is attributed to construction management issues, with the NHAI being held responsible for the oversight of the project.
