What Are the Details of Kerala's Longest Tunnel Project Linking Kozhikode and Wayanad?

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 31 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, has officially inaugurated the construction of the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi twin-tunnel four-lane road project, which is a long-anticipated infrastructure venture designed to enhance connectivity between the districts of Kozhikode and Wayanad in the state.

The inauguration took place at the St. Mary’s School Ground in Anakkampoyil.

The Chief Minister referred to the project as a significant milestone in Kerala’s transportation advancement, emphasizing that it fulfills a major commitment from the LDF’s 2021 election manifesto.

Upon its completion, these twin tunnels will not only be the longest in Kerala but will also rank as the third longest in India.

"This project will alleviate the severe traffic congestion on the Wayanad ghat road and significantly enhance trade, tourism, and the overall economy of the state," he stated.

The idea of constructing a tunnel to connect Kozhikode and Wayanad has its origins in the late 1990s. It was initially proposed by then CPI-M MLA Mathayi Chacko and later advocated by his successor George M. Thomas, who argued that a tunnel would provide a more sustainable solution compared to a traditional forest road, addressing both connectivity and environmental concerns.

The project, valued at Rs 2,134.5 crore, spans 8.73 km, with 5.58 km in Wayanad and 3.15 km in Kozhikode. Out of this, 8.1 km will be developed as a twin-tube tunnel capable of accommodating four-lane traffic. Once operational, the new route will reduce the distance between Anakkampoyil and Meppadi from 42 km to just 22 km, significantly cutting travel time.

The primary construction has been assigned to Dilip Buildcon Pvt Ltd, while Royal Infrastructure Company will manage the approach roads. The Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) has been appointed as the implementing agency, with KITCO Ltd serving as the consultant.

A tripartite agreement has already been finalized among KRCL, the Kerala PWD, and the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to facilitate the project's execution.

The tunnel will be equipped with modern safety and monitoring systems, including ventilation, firefighting equipment, CCTV coverage, traffic signals, tunnel radio systems, emergency call points, and well-lit escape routes to ensure optimal safety standards.

While the launch signifies a pivotal chapter in Kerala’s infrastructure evolution, experts and local communities are advocating for prudence. They highlight the necessity of considering environmental lessons learned from past incidents, such as the tragic Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide of last year, to ensure that development does not compromise ecological security.