Kerala Begins Controlled Blasting for ₹2,134 Crore Wayanad–Kozhikode Tunnel Road Project

Kerala has taken a major step forward in improving connectivity between the hill district of Wayanad and the coastal region of Kozhikode with the launch of controlled rock blasting for the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi–Meppadi tunnel road project. The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, marking the beginning of one of the state’s most ambitious infrastructure developments.

The project is designed to significantly reduce travel time between Wayanad and Kozhikode, two important districts that currently face challenging road connectivity due to steep terrain and winding ghat roads. Once completed, the tunnel road is expected to enhance mobility, boost tourism and improve the movement of goods between the regions.

The 8.73 kilometre tunnel road project is estimated to cost around ₹2,134.5 crore. It is expected to be completed within four years. The construction work is being supervised by the Public Works Department while the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board is financing the project. The execution of the project has been entrusted to Konkan Railway Corporation, which has extensive experience in complex tunnelling and railway infrastructure projects.

Given the technical complexity of the project, authorities have adopted controlled blasting methods to ensure safety during excavation. Public access to the construction site has been regulated due to safety concerns. To allow the public to witness the milestone, the inauguration event was broadcast live at Muthappanpuzha ALP School.

The launch ceremony at Marippuzha was presided over by Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas. Several ministers and Member of Parliament Priyanka Gandhi also attended the event.

The project has already received the required environmental approvals from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. As part of the approval process, permission was granted to convert 17.26 hectares of forest land for the development of the tunnel road.

Once completed, the tunnel road is expected to transform regional connectivity in northern Kerala and support economic development by providing a faster and safer route between Wayanad and Kozhikode.