Crack on under-construction overbridge along NH 66 at Manathala in Thrissur sparks outrage

A crack discovered on the under-construction overbridge along National Highway 66 at Manathala has triggered serious safety concerns and public outrage. The crack, spanning nearly 50 m, was spotted on May 20 near Manathala Vishwanatha Temple and Manathala Muslim Mosque, according to an official report filed by the Chavakkad Tahsildar.

When images of the crack quickly went viral on social media platforms, the contracting company initially tried to cover the affected area with tar, but heavy rains washed it away. Later, they temporarily sealed the cracks using quarry dust, according to local residents.

District Collector Arjun Pandian demanded an urgent report from the Ernakulam Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), stressing the potential risk to public safety. He also constituted a high-level expert committee to conduct a joint inspection and submit a comprehensive report. Preliminary findings and technical inputs from the Geotechnical Engineering Department of Government Engineering College, Thrissur, and the Public Works Department’s Quality Control Wing have been submitted to the NHAI. The final report from the NHAI is still pending, the Collector said.

Meanwhile, the local community is expressing deep concern over the quality of the ongoing construction. “This unfortunate incident has created fear and anxiety among the residents. People are extremely worried about the safety of the bridge. NH 66 carries a high volume of traffic, including heavy vehicles, and such a crack poses a major threat,” said Adv. Therlli Asoken, President of the Congress’s Manathala Committee and a local resident.

The Manathala unit of the Indian National Congress has sent a formal letter to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging him to order a transparent and immediate investigation. The letter calls for strict accountability, stating that contractors and engineers must be held responsible if any negligence is found. The party has also demanded that the findings of the investigation and any remedial steps be made public to restore confidence in the project.

The incident has cast a shadow over ongoing infrastructure projects in the region, highlighting the urgent need for quality assurance and greater transparency in public construction.