Under-Construction Bridge Collapses in Koyilandy

Swift Summary

• A bridge under construction at Thorayi Kadavu near Koyilandy in Kozhikode, Kerala, collapsed on August 14, 2025.
• labourers narrowly escaped after a concrete beam in the middle section gave way during the afternoon.
• Residents staged protests against Malappuram-based contracting firm P.M.R. Constructions and alleged laxity by Public Works department officials regarding quality checks.
• Field-level inspections were conducted by senior Revenue and Public Works department officials, local administrators, following orders from Public Works minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas; an inquiry report is pending release.
• The ₹23.82-crore project funded by Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) was aimed at constructing a 265-meter-long bridge across Akalappuzha to connect Balussery and koyilandy constituencies for better connectivity between Atholi and Chemanchery grama panchayats currently reliant on boat services. Work began in August 2023.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The collapse of the under-construction bridge highlights potential infrastructural safety challenges despite significant funding through KIIFB for public projects like this one in Kerala. While no injuries occurred, as noted from labourers’ narrow escape, such incidents underline concerns about oversight mechanisms in material quality and construction standards among contractors and government departments alike.The residents’ protest reflects growing public frustration over delays or mishaps involving infrastructure advancement vital to their day-to-day mobility needs-like connecting villages relying on boats-with greater scrutiny now falling on stakeholders tasked with ensuring safety compliance.Openness during ongoing investigations will play a key role not just to assign accountability but also restore confidence among residents anticipating transformative infrastructure that can address long-standing connectivity issues efficiently without compromising safety or timelines.

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