Survey for 6.8 km Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel commences

Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) on Tuesday commenced a detailed survey for construction of a 6.8 km tunnel between nearby Anakkampoyil and Meppi in Wayan, linking Kozhikode and Wayan districts.

much-awaited project, said to be longest in state when completed, will provide better connectivity between two districts.

It would be a better and hassle-free alternative link to present Thamaraserry-Lakkidi ghat ro. traffic on narrow ghat section has often been crippling for hours.

state has earmarked Rs 658 crore for project, through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). tunnel starts at Swargamkunnu in nearby Kodenchery panchayat in Kozhikode district and will end at Kalli near Meppi in Wayan district.

A 12-member technical team, heed by Senior section engineer, Murali, has commenced ir work on land survey and field investigation. Thiruvamby MLA George M Thomas, Thiruvamby grama panchayat president P T Augustin and PWD Executive Engineer (Ros) K Vinayaraj were also among those who were present at kick-off function. team will visit Anakkampoyil, Maripuzha and Swargamkunnu as part of ir survey.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayanwill officially launch start of tunnel work on October 5, a government press release said.