Controversy Strikes as Kollam Flyover Collapse Sparks Debate on Accountability

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan denied state PWD's involvement in national highway constructions after a Kollam flyover collapse. Opposition leader V D Satheesan criticized the government for its inaction, alleging corruption and shared responsibility of both state and central bodies in NH projects' failures.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clarified that the state Public Works Department is not involved in national highway constructions. This came in the wake of Friday's NH-66 flyover collapse in Kollam, which trapped vehicles, including a school bus, leaving questions on accountability.

Vijayan pointed fingers at the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for design and construction failings while addressing media in response to criticisms of the state government. He asserted that state-level discussions merely aim to expedite development and do not constitute interference.

Opposition leader V D Satheesan condemned the state's lack of complaints to the Centre amidst recurring collapses, alleging corruption and shared negligence between central and state authorities, and highlighted the risk to public safety, including saved schoolchildren, in the latest incident.