Kalpetta: The long-cherished dream of a ghat-free alternative route between Wayanad and Kozhikode is finally becoming a reality. The Wayanad Tunnel Road, a crucial infrastructure project, has commenced construction, promising to alleviate the perennial traffic congestion on the Thamarassery Ghat and significantly reduce travel time.
The ambitious project, which includes a total length of 8.735 km, features twin tunnels for a four-lane road, spanning 8.11 km. The tunnel section itself will run through a 5771-meter stretch of forest land and 2964 meters of private land. The total length of the tunnel on the Wayanad side will be 5.58 km, while on the Kozhikode side, it will be 3.15 km.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Public Works Department, funded by KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board), and the Konkan Railway Corporation, which will serve as the implementing agency. The estimated cost of the project is a staggering Rs. 2,134 crore.
The tunnel road is designed to bypass the treacherous hairpin bends of the Thamarassery Ghat, a route notorious for frequent landslides and traffic blocks, especially during monsoon. Once completed, the project is expected to slash the travel time between the two districts and give a major boost to tourism and trade in the region.
The construction of the tunnel, which will be a twin-tube, four-lane structure, will also include two major bridges across the Iruvazhinji river and three smaller bridges. The project is expected to be completed within four years, providing a much-needed lifeline for the people of Wayanad and Northern Kerala.
