Kerala's Longest Twin-Tunnel Project: CM Pinarayi Vijayan Inaugurates Wayanad Tunnel Construction
Wayanad, Kerala: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday, August 31, inaugurated one of state’s largest infrastructure development projects – the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road. The foundation work of eagerly-awaited Rs. 2,134-crore project was kicked off during the event at St. Mary’s School grounds in Anakkampoyil, Kozhikode.
Touted as a faster, safer, and more reliable compared to Thamarassery Ghat Road, the project is expected to bring about a fundamental transformation in road connectivity between Kozhikode and Wayanad and is also likely to reshape the economic and social landscape of the region. The project, spanning 5.58 km in Wayanad district and 3.15 km in Kozhikode district, will be completed in four years. After several discussions and alternative proposals, the tunnel project concept emerged as a viable solution.
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The 8.73 km tunnel project features twin tunnels for 8.11 km. The project includes two major bridges over the Iruvazhinji river and three smaller bridges. The tunnel will have six cross passages, connecting the twin tunnels every 300 meters. The land acquisition process has been completed, with 8.0525 hectares acquired in Wayanad district and 8.1225 hectares in Kozhikode district. It required acquiring 33 hectares of land, with 5771 meters passing through forest areas and 2964 meters through private land.
However, the tunnel project is expected to ease Kozhikode-Wayanad traffic, reduce travel time, and boost tourism and trade upon completion. The construction works will begin on the Wayanad side, and the land leveling process has already started near near Kalladi and Meenakshi Bridge.
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The project will be India’s third-longest tunnel and the largest twin-tunnel initiative upon completion as per a report by Swarajyamag. Funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the state PWD is leading the construction along with Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd as the special purpose vehicle.
