Project Status Dashboard
| Project | Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi Twin Tunnel Road |
| Current Phase | Rock Excavation and Controlled Blasting Begun (March 2026) |
| Overall Progress | Early construction; all major clearances secured |
| Last Major Milestone | Stage II Forest Clearance from Centre (Feb 2026); CM inaugurated rock blasting (March 2026) |
| Next Expected Milestone | Full-scale tunnelling to begin; completion targeted 2029-2030 |
| Malayali Community Impact | Safe alternative to Thamarassery Ghat, Wayanad tourism access, Kozhikode-Bangalore corridor |
By Mallu Metro Infrastructure Desk | June 2026
After years of planning, environmental review, and political debate, the Wayanad Twin Tunnel is finally breaking ground in the most literal sense. The 8.17 km twin-tube, four-lane tunnel connecting Anakkampoyil in Kozhikode with Kalladi near Meppadi in Wayanad will cut the distance through the ghat section from 42 km to under 20 km, providing a safe, weather-resistant alternative to the landslide-prone Thamarassery Ghat Road.
Clearances Secured
The project cleared its biggest remaining regulatory hurdle in February 2026 when the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change granted final Stage II forest clearance, approving the diversion of 17.263 hectares of forest land. The state government has designated compensatory afforestation land and declared it as reserve forest, fulfilling the Centre’s conditions.
Construction Underway
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated rock excavation with controlled blasting at Swargamkunnu near Anakkampoyil on the Kozhikode side in March 2026. This initial blasting phase helps engineers assess rock structure and geological conditions before full-scale tunnelling begins.
On the Wayanad side, preparatory work is progressing at Meenakshi Hills near Kalladi, where soil excavation and reinforcement with concrete structures are underway. Controlled blasting on the Wayanad portal is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Project Specifications
The tunnel is designed as a twin-tube structure using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). The project, estimated at Rs 2,134 crore including approach roads, is being executed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited with Dilip Buildcon as the construction contractor. Traffic opening is expected by early 2030.
Environmental Sensitivity
The project’s proximity to the July 2024 Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide site (approximately 4 km away) and the 2019 Puthumala landslide area (0.85 km away) has drawn scrutiny. The Kerala State Environmental Appraisal Committee sought additional environmental impact details, which the state government has furnished. Engineers maintain that the tunnel’s subsurface alignment minimises surface disruption compared to open-cut road construction.
Why This Matters for Malayalis
Safety: The Thamarassery Ghat Road is notoriously dangerous, especially during monsoons. The tunnel provides an all-weather, landslide-free alternative for the millions who travel between Kozhikode and Wayanad annually.
Tourism: Wayanad is one of Kerala’s most popular hill destinations. Easier access will boost the district’s tourism economy. For trip planning, see TripAdept’s destination guides.
Kozhikode-Bangalore Corridor: The tunnel shortens the Kozhikode-Wayanad-Mysuru-Bangalore route, benefiting the large Malayali community working in Karnataka’s capital.