The Kozhikode–Wayanad tunnel road project is a landmark infrastructure initiative that promises to transform connectivity between Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in Kerala. This ₹2,134 crore project involves constructing an 8.73-kilometer-long twin-tube tunnel road, with 8.11 kilometers running beneath the fragile hills and forests of the Western Ghats. This tunnel will bypass the frequently congested and landslide-prone Thamarassery Ghat, significantly reducing travel distance and time by cutting the existing 42 km down to just 22 km between Anakkampoyil in Kozhikode and Meppadi in Wayanad. The new route will provide a safer, smoother, and climate-resilient passage, available in all weather conditions a major advantage for both commuters and freight transport.
The project construction began in 2025 and is expected to be completed in four to five years, overseen by the Kerala Public Works Department (PWD) in partnership with the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL). The contract for tunnel construction is awarded to Dilip Buildcon Limited, while the approach roads and bridges are handled by other contractors like Royal Infrastructure Company and Punia Construction Company. Among the major structural components is a four-lane steel arch bridge across the Iruvazhinji river near Marippuzha. This tunnel project is designed with modern safety and engineering standards, including jet fan ventilation systems, fire suppression mechanisms, CCTV monitoring, emergency phones, cross-passages between tunnels every 300 meters, and over-height vehicle detection systems. These features aim to provide a secure environment for travelers and reduce accident risks associated with the hilly ghat road.
The economic and social benefits of the tunnel are substantial: it will ease heavy traffic bottlenecks commonly faced on the Thamarassery Ghat road, enhance freight movement efficiency, and support regional commerce. The improved accessibility is expected to boost tourism in Wayanad and neighboring areas, facilitating easier travel for residents and visitors alike. It also connects Kozhikode and Malappuram districts with better access to Wayanad and adjoining Karnataka, expanding opportunities for trade and economic development. The environmental clearance granted for the tunnel mandates compensatory afforestation and forest reservation measures to offset land use changes. This project exemplifies Kerala’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure while balancing ecological sensitivities.
The Kozhikode–Wayanad tunnel road stands as a flagship project in Kerala’s journey toward modern, efficient, and eco-conscious infrastructure development. Beyond drastically cutting travel time and easing chronic traffic bottlenecks, this tunnel symbolizes a commitment to safer journeys through the Western Ghats and sustainable progress. As the region anticipates the completion of this engineering marvel, it also looks forward to enhanced economic opportunities, tourism growth, and improved quality of life for its people. This tunnel road is more than just a passage it’s a gateway to a new era of connectivity and development in northern Kerala.