Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Launches Wayanad Tunnel Road Project, Calls It A Game-Changer For Malabar

Thamarassery: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted the transformative impact the Wayanad Tunnel Road project will have on Malabar's commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for the Anakampoyil-Kalladi tunnel road construction, he emphasized the government's commitment to pushing forward development projects despite numerous challenges.

Vijayan acknowledged that many projects, previously considered impossible, are now moving ahead. Drawing from past experiences with initiatives like GAIL and the National Highway, he pointed to ongoing constructions such as the hill highway and various waterfalls. Long-delayed projects are finally seeing progress after years of stagnation. He explained that these achievements were possible by overcoming obstacles such as financial constraints imposed by the central government, opposition, and vested interests. The lack of funds had stalled many initiatives for decades, at times even affecting education projects negatively. The revival of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) was a turning point, enabling the implementation of projects valued at Rs 90,000 crore.

KIIFB's Pivotal Role

The Chief Minister criticized the central government for denying Kerala its fair share of funds, highlighting cuts, borrowing restrictions, and denial of loans, amounting to losses of around Rs 12,000 crore. He revealed attempts to stall development projects, including efforts to undermine KIIFB both on the streets and in the courts. When it became clear that KIIFB could not be dismantled, there were attempts to sabotage the projects themselves. Despite this, Kerala's citizens are pleased with the ongoing progress.

Project Set to Transform Regional Connectivity

The Wayanad Tunnel Road specifically aims to alleviate travel difficulties for the region. Construction is now underway following environmental clearance approval. Once completed, the project will replace the difficult and winding journey through Thamarassery Churam with a safer, more efficient route. The concept of the tunnel road dates back to 2006, with administrative approval granted in 2020. The Union Ministry of Environment gave its green light in June this year.

The project spans a total length of 8.73 kilometers, including access roads, with the tunnel itself stretching 8.11 kilometers from Maripuzha in Kozhikode to Meenakshipalam in Wayanad. The new tunnel road will connect to the Meppadi-Kalladi-Chooralmala State Highway in Wayanad, while the Kozhikode side links to the Maripuzha-Muthappanpuzha-Anakampoyil road.

Estimated to cost Rs 2,134 crore, the project includes two main bridges over the Iruvanjippuzha River as well as three smaller bridges. The Public Works Department is overseeing the construction, with funding from KIIFB, and the Konkan Railway Corporation is managing project implementation. This ambitious infrastructure endeavor promises to significantly enhance connectivity and boost regional development.

MENAFN31082025007385015968ID1109999463