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Kerala CM Launches First Blast for Major Wayanad Tunnel Project

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan initiated the first blast for the construction of the Anakampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi road tunnel, a major infrastructure project. The 8.73-km tunnel, estimated to cost ₹2,134.5 crore, aims to significantly improve connectivity between Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. The project is being implemented by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited and constructed by Dilip Buildcon Limited and Royal Infrastructure. In a related development, the CM also highlighted the modernization of Kerala's fire and rescue services, including the creation of the country's first women's scuba diving team.

Key Points: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Inaugurates Anakampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi Tunnel

  • First blast for 8.73-km tunnel
  • Project cost ₹2,134.5 crore
  • Aims to improve Kozhikode-Wayanad link
  • Expected completion in four years
  • Part of broader infrastructure push
2 min read

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan switches on 1st blast for Anakampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel project

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan initiates the first blast for the ₹2,134.5 crore Anakampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi road tunnel, a key infrastructure project for Wayanad connectivity.

"The government is taking a committed approach to modernising the fire and rescue service - Pinarayi Vijayan"

Kozhikode, March 6

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday switched on the first blast for the construction of the Anakampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi road tunnel, one of Kerala's major infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity to Wayanad. The ceremony was held at the Marippuzha project site at around 12 noon.

The Chief Minister had earlier inaugurated the Anakampoyil-Wayanad road tunnel project on August 31, 2025. Blasting, which is one of the key phases of the project, began after completing preliminary works such as the construction of a temporary bridge, installation of a crusher unit, fuel tank facilities and workers' camp sheds.

The proposed 8.73-km tunnel connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad districts is among the largest infrastructure development projects in the state. The project is being supervised by the Kerala Public Works Department and funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for the implementation and execution of the project is Konkan Railway Corporation Limited. The tunnel construction has been awarded to Dilip Buildcon Limited, based in Bhopal, and Royal Infrastructure.

The project is estimated to cost ₹2,134.5 crore and is expected to be completed within four years.

Earlier on Thursday, CM said that the government is taking a committed approach to modernising the fire and rescue service and that renovation works worth Rs 251 crore have been carried out in the service in 10 years.

The CM was speaking after inaugurating the new building of the Panur Fire Station online. The service has all the latest equipment, such as underwater drones, robo firefighters, fire tenders, and advanced rescue tenders. A comprehensive change was made in the department after the 2018 floods.

Around 10,000 Civil Defence Volunteers and 4,500 Apthamitra workers, who ensure public participation in disaster management, have become the strength of Kerala. The strength of the force is a 31-member team that has received special training from ITBP and NDRF. For the first time in history, 100 female firefighters have been created. 17 selected from these were trained in scuba diving, forming the country's first women's scuba diving team.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
₹2,134 crore is a huge amount. While infrastructure is important, I hope there is complete transparency in spending and no cost overruns. The project is given to a Bhopal-based company... hope they employ a significant local workforce from Kerala. Jobs for our people should be the priority.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels to Wayanad often, this is the best news! The scenic route is beautiful but the journey is exhausting. A direct tunnel will cut travel time by hours. Kudos to the government for pushing this through. Also great to read about the advancements in fire services.
A
Arun Y
Good step, but four years is a long time. Our governments are good at starting projects with a blast (literally) but the completion often gets delayed. Hope this one sticks to the deadline. The fire service modernization with women's scuba team is truly impressive and praiseworthy!
K
Karthik V
Konkan Railway has a good track record. If they are supervising, we can be hopeful about quality. The tunnel will boost the economy of both districts significantly. Also, creating 100 female firefighters is a massive and welcome social shift. Kerala leading the way again.
M
Meera T
While the tunnel is needed, I have concerns about the blasting in an ecologically sensitive area. We've seen landslides and floods. Hope all precautions are taken. On a positive note, the investment in disaster management with Civil Defence Volunteers is smart and necessary for our state.

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