Kerala’s longest tunnel to ease ghat road traffic, boost economy: CM lays foundation for Anakkampoyil–Kalladi project

Kozhikode: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday inaugurated the construction of the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi twin tunnel four-lane road project, which will connect Thiruvambadi panchayat in Kozhikode with Meppadi panchayat in Wayanad. The function was held at St Mary’s School Ground, Anakkampoyil.

Calling it a landmark initiative, the Chief Minister said the project was included in the LDF’s 2021 election manifesto under its road development promises. “Once completed, it will be the longest tunnel in Kerala and the third longest in India. It will resolve traffic congestion on the Wayanad ghat road and boost the state’s trade and economy,” he noted.

The idea of a tunnel road between Kozhikode and Wayanad has been discussed since the late 1990s. It was first championed by the late CPM MLA Mathayi Chacko and later taken forward by his successor George M Thomas, who argued for a tunnel instead of a conventional forest road to ensure both connectivity and constituency development.

The Chief Minister stated that the project is designed to minimise environmental damage and will boost the district's agricultural exports. "Wayanad, rich in forest areas and historical heritage, must preserve its environmental and cultural legacy. The government is implementing development projects with a 50-year vision for the state. Under the LIFE Mission project, 4.5 lakh houses have been completed. The state has also successfully distributed ₹1,600 each to 60 lakh people over the age of 60," he said, while commending the various initiatives undertaken by the government.

"It is the responsibility of the government to improve the lives and livelihoods of the people. Development projects are being implemented across various sectors related to the public, including health, education, and infrastructure. Once the tunnel road construction is completed, it is expected to boost the export of agricultural produce," Pinarayi added. 

The ₹2,134.5-crore project will cover 8.73 km—5.58 km in Wayanad and 3.15 km in Kozhikode. Of this, 8.1 km will consist of a twin-tube tunnel with four-lane traffic. Once operational, the distance between Anakkampoyil and Meppadi will be reduced to 22 km from the present 42 km.

Hyderabad-based Dilip Buildcon Pvt Ltd has been awarded the construction work, while Royal Infrastructure Company will build the approach roads. Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) is the implementing agency, with KITCO Ltd as the project consultant. A tripartite agreement has been signed between KRCL, the Kerala PWD, and the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

The tunnel will feature modern safety and monitoring systems, including ventilation, firefighting units, CCTV, traffic signals, tunnel radio, emergency call points, and escape-route lighting.

Even as construction begins, concerns persist over the project’s environmental impact, especially in light of last year’s devastating Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide in Wayanad.