Kerala will launch the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi–Meppadi tunnel road project on August 31, marking a major milestone in the state’s infrastructure development.
Spanning 8.73 km, the project includes a twin tunnel of 8.1 km—the longest in Kerala. Once completed, it will reduce the distance between Anakkampoyil in Kozhikode district and Meppadi in Wayanad district from about 50 km to just 22 km. The tunnel will also provide a seamless link connecting Kerala with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, easing inter-state travel.
The Rs 21.34 billion project is being implemented under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and executed by Konkan Railway Corporation. About 33 hectares of land have been earmarked, with forest land transferred and nearly 90 per cent of private land acquired. Work on approach roads has already commenced.
The four-lane tunnel will feature ventilation systems, fire safety mechanisms, tunnel radio and telephone connectivity, escape route lighting, traffic signals, CCTV surveillance, and emergency call systems.
Announced during Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s first 100-day action plan, the project faced delays before securing environmental clearances. It is now positioned as a landmark initiative to transform connectivity in the Malabar region and support regional growth.
News source: Mangalorean
