An under-construction bridge in Koyilandy suddenly came down this morning, sparking immediate fears and major worries about its poor build quality. This sudden collapse, happening while the bridge was still being built, has instantly brought up serious questions of corruption and bad oversight. People are now demanding answers and quick action from authorities, as the incident fuels public anger and widespread concern over how such a critical project could fail so badly.
Bridge Beam Falls in Koyilandy, Raises Questions
Koyilandy, Kozhikode – A section of the under-construction Thorayi Kadavu bridge near Koyilandy in Kozhikode district collapsed on Thursday, August 14, 2025, around 3:30 in the afternoon. The incident involved the falling of a concrete beam, leading to immediate concern among local residents and officials. While no major injuries were reported, one or two construction workers sustained minor injuries during the incident. They were moved away from the site just in time as the beam gave way.
The sudden collapse has brought into focus the safety of infrastructure projects and the quality of ongoing work in the region. Emergency services and local officials quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the area. The construction work on the bridge has been immediately stopped following the incident.
What Caused the Beam to Fall
Initial reports from the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) officials suggest that the collapse happened during the pouring of concrete for the bridge’s 20th beam. A pipe that was pumping concrete to the area became blocked. When pressure was increased to clear the blockage, the pipe reportedly jerked suddenly, which then destabilized the temporary support structure, known as a girder. This led to the wooden block frame slipping and the concrete beam collapsing.
But, local residents and some officials have also pointed to possible deeper issues. There are allegations of poor quality in the construction work and a lack of proper checks on the materials used. This has raised questions about the standards being maintained in such large-scale public projects.
Details About the Bridge Project
The Thorayi Kadavu bridge project is a significant infrastructure undertaking, planned to connect the Chemancheri and Atholi panchayats. It is also seen as a vital link between the Balussery and Koyilandy Assembly constituencies, aimed at improving travel and connectivity for residents.
The construction of this 265-meter-long bridge began in August 2023. The project has an estimated cost of about ₹23. 82 crore to ₹24 crore. Funding for the bridge comes from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The construction contract was given to P. M. R. Constructions, a firm based in Malappuram. The overall supervision of the project is under the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), which is a part of the Public Works Department (PWD).
| Project Detail | details |
|---|---|
| Location | Thorayi Kadavu, near Koyilandy, Kozhikode |
| Project Cost | Around ₹23. 82 crore to ₹24 crore |
| Bridge Length | 265 meters |
| Start Date | August 2023 |
| Contractor | P. M. R. Constructions |
| Supervising Authority | Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) |
| Funding Source | Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) |
People’s Anger and Demand for Answers
Following the collapse, local residents gathered at the site to express their anger and frustration. They staged protests against the contracting firm, P. M. R. Constructions. demanded a full investigation into what happened. Many locals believe that the incident is a clear sign of carelessness by both the company building the bridge and the officials who were supposed to oversee the work.
“We rely on this bridge for our daily travel. To see a part of it collapse while still being built is very worrying. We need answers and assurance that our safety will not be put at risk,” said a local resident who wished to remain unnamed.
The public outcry reflects a growing concern about the safety and quality of new infrastructure in the state.
Concerns About Project Quality and Possible Wrongdoing
The collapse has also sparked wider concerns, with political figures highlighting potential issues beyond just construction faults. Opposition leader V. D. Satheesan strongly spoke out, pointing out that this is not the first time an under-construction bridge has collapsed in Kerala recently. He stated that this trend exposes what he called “elements of corruption” in various state infrastructure projects.
“This is the third under-construction bridge to collapse in the state in a short period. This raises serious questions about the quality of work and the supervision. We want to know if those who pursued legal action against a former Public Works Minister over the Palarivattom bridge would also seek a case against the current minister in light of repeated failures,” said Opposition leader V. D. Satheesan.
These statements suggest a belief among some critics that such repeated incidents might indicate deeper problems related to how contracts are given out, how work is checked. how funds are used in public projects. The calls for thorough investigations are aimed at uncovering any potential wrongdoing that could compromise the safety and durability of these crucial structures.
Government Response and What Comes Next
In response to the incident and the public’s concerns, Public Works Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas has quickly asked for a detailed report from the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB). He has also promised that strong action will be taken against anyone found responsible for the collapse.
Senior officials from the Revenue and Public Works departments, along with local government leaders, visited the site to conduct their own inspections. They confirmed that an investigation is now underway based on the Minister’s instructions. The findings of this investigation are expected to be released soon, which will determine the next steps and any penalties.
The temporary suspension of work on the Thorayi Kadavu bridge means that the project will face delays. The main focus now is on understanding the exact reasons for the beam’s collapse and putting measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in restoring public trust and ensuring that new construction projects meet high safety and quality standards.
