Congress demands CBI probe into NH 66 damage in Kerala

The Opposition Congress on Wednesday demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the recent collapse and damage of sections of National Highway 66 across the State following heavy rain.

Criticising the Left government for not seeking any inquiry so far into the issue, the grand old party said only a comprehensive probe can uncover the alleged corruption involved in the construction of NHs in the State.

Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader V.D. Satheesan pointed to the alleged engineering lapses in the construction. Besides an investigation into the technical aspect by an expert panel, a comprehensive probe should be conducted into the “corruption” involved in it.

“A large-scale probe should be carried out into the lapses in road constructions in the State. A CBI probe should be ordered. Corruption to the tune of thousands of crores of rupees has happened in it,” Mr. Satheesan told reporters here.

He claimed that the Opposition has received clear indications of some people within the State government who allegedly granted favours to the contract company, which is now facing allegations over the construction of the NH in the State. The Pinarayi Vijayan government’s silence on the serious issue of the NH collapse stems from its apprehension to speak out against the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mr. Satheesan’s demand for a CBI probe came days after the chief Minister made it clear that the full responsibility for the construction of the NH lies with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Published - June 04, 2025 09:37 pm IST