Kozhikode: In the wake of the national highway collapse at Kooriyad, Malappuram, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has transferred its Kerala regional officer, B.L. Meena, to the headquarters in Delhi. The transfer order was issued on Friday as part of a broader response to mounting criticism over the agency’s management of road projects in Kerala.

Meena, a Rajasthan cadre officer who led NHAI operations across the state, will be replaced by A.K. Mishra, previously in charge of the Jharkhand division. The move follows scrutiny over multiple lapses, including poor preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and inadequate supervision during six-lane highway constructions.

After the Kooriyad collapse, which drew nationwide attention, the NHAI suspended the project director in Kochi and removed the site engineer involved. Reports say Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of Kerala’s highway projects.

Initially, there were talks of suspending Meena, but the NHAI decided on a transfer instead, aiming to contain the fallout and restore public confidence.

This reshuffle signals a fresh attempt by the NHAI to tighten control and improve oversight of crucial infrastructure works in the state.