Kozhikode–Wayanad Tunnel Road: Kerala's Game-Changing All-Weather Corridor Through the Western Ghats
Info - 23 November 2025
The treacherous Thamarassery Churam (Ghat Road) on NH 766 has long been the lifeline—and the nightmare—for travelers between Kozhikode and Wayanad. With its nine sharp hairpin bends, frequent landslides, and monsoon blockages, this route often turns a simple hill journey into hours of uncertainty. But relief is on the horizon: the Anakkampoyil–Kalladi–Meppadi Twin Tunnel Road Project, Kerala's most ambitious infrastructure venture, is now underway after decades of planning.
Inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on August 31, 2025, this twin-tube tunnel will bore straight through the Western Ghats, bypassing the ghat entirely and promising faster, safer, and reliable connectivity.
Key Features of the Kozhikode–Wayanad Tunnel
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Anakkampoyil–Kalladi–Meppadi Twin Tube Uni-directional Tunnel Road |
| Total Length | 8.73 km (8.11–8.17 km tunneled portion) |
| Tunnel Type | Twin parallel tubes (2 lanes each, total 4 lanes) |
| Portals | Kozhikode end: Marippuzha/Anakkampoyil (Thiruvambady panchayat), Wayanad end: Kalladi (near Meppadi, connects to Kalpetta road) |
| District Split | 3.15 km in Kozhikode, 5.58 km in Wayanad |
| Cost | ₹2,134.5 crore |
| Contractors | Tunnel: Dilip Buildcon Ltd (₹1,341 crore), Approach roads: Separate tenders (e.g., Royal Infrastructure) |
| Implementing Agency | Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (tripartite with PWD and KIIFB) |
| Timeline | 4–5 years (target completion 2029–2030); possible phased opening |
| Safety Features | Jet fan ventilation, fire suppression, CCTV, emergency phones, cross-passages every 300m, over-height vehicle detection |
Dramatic Travel Time and Distance Savings
The tunnel creates a straight, elevated-depth path under the ghats, slashing distances and eliminating weather risks.
| Journey | Current (via Thamarassery Ghat) | Via New Tunnel | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anakkampoyil to Meppadi | ~42 km, 1.5–2 hours | ~20–22 km, ~25–30 minutes | 20+ km, up to 1.5 hours |
| Kozhikode City to Kalpetta | ~85 km, 2.5–3 hours | ~55–60 km, ~1–1.5 hours | 25–30 km, 1–1.5 hours |
| Kozhikode to Bengaluru (via Wayanad) | Prone to monsoon delays | Reliable all-weather route | Significant for trade |
This all-weather corridor is a lifeline for medical emergencies—Wayanad residents often depend on Kozhikode's hospitals—and for cargo movement to Karnataka.
Economic Boost for Malabar and the High Ranges
Addressing Environmental Concerns
The project traverses the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, near 2024 Mundakkai-Chooralmala and 2019 Puthumala landslide zones. Critics, including the Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi, warn of blasting risks, slope destabilization, and impacts on tribal communities and biodiversity (e.g., endangered species like the Banasura laughingthrush).
Clearances include strict conditions:
Proponents argue the tunnel minimizes surface disturbance compared to ghat widening and incorporates advanced safeguards.
Will the Kozhikode–Wayanad Tunnel Replace Thamarassery Churam?
Not completely.
The Thamarassery Ghat will remain a major heritage and commercial route. But the tunnel will decongest traffic, reduce heavy vehicle load, and serve as the preferred route for fast travel.
Conclusion
The Kozhikode–Wayanad Twin Tunnel Road is a historic initiative that promises safer travel, economic development, and stronger regional connectivity. While environmental concerns are valid and must be addressed responsibly, the project has the potential to reshape how people move between Kozhikode, Wayanad, and the high-range regions of Kerala.
With proper execution and environmental care, this tunnel could become one of Kerala’s most impactful infrastructure achievements.
