India, June 17 -- In the wake of the collapse of slope protection work on NH-66 in Kerala, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on Tuesday debarred the concessionaire and its promoter -- Hyderabad-based M/s Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd -- to participate in future bids.

The incident of collapse of slope protection works at Cherkkala in Kasaragod district occurred in Chengala-Neeleshwaram section of NH-66 on June 16 due to improper design, inadequate slope protection works and poor drainage system, NHAI said in a press statement.

A showcause notice has also been issued for debarment of one year, along with levying monetary penalty of up to Rs. 0.9 crore, NHAI said.

The project is on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), and the ...