Construction Begins on Anakkampoyil-Meppadi Tunnel Road

Fast Summary

• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the works for the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin tunnel road in Kozhikode, intended as a landmark initiative for developing upland regions.
• The project, worth ₹2,134.5 crore, aims to connect thiruvambady panchayat (Kozhikode) to meppadi panchayat (Wayanad) through an 8.11-km-long tunnel road that spans a total of 8.73 km in length.
• Funded by Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), construction obligation lies with Hyderabad-based Dilip Buildcon Pvt. Ltd., while Royal Infrastructure Company will develop approach roads under monitoring by Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL).
• Scheduled to be completed within 60 months, the project promises reduced travel time by 1.5 hours and shorter distance by 22 km compared to existing routes like Thamarassery Ghat road.
• It is expected to boost tourism, agriculture, and trade while implementing advanced safety features including ventilation systems, firefighting units, traffic signals, CCTV surveillance and emergency mechanisms every 300 meters between two tunnels.
• Once complete, it will be India’s longest twin tunnel road and third-longest overall tunnel infrastructure.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The inauguration of the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin tunnel project marks a significant step forward in modernizing Kerala’s infrastructure development strategy-especially for upland regions often excluded from mainstream connectivity benefits due to geographic challenges like mountainous terrain or longer commutes via traditional ghat roads such Thamarassery pathways Neutral