KOZHIKODE: The state government has chosen Konkan Railway Corporation to execute the Wayanad-Kozhikode tunnel road, an alternative to the ghat road connecting Kozhikode and Bengaluru through Wayanad. The Wayanad ghat road, the lone link between Kozhikode and Wayanad, faces huge traffic pressure and is hit by landslides during monsoon. Traffic through the route was affected badly due to landslides in the last season.
Tiruvambadi MLA George M. Thomas, who conceptualised the project, told DC that the Konkan Railway will submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) within a few months. "The state government earlier had sanctioned Rs 5 crore for preparing the DPR," he added. The work would be completed within 38 months. The state government had cleared a project worth Rs 600 crore, but since the money is not sufficient, funds would be sourced through KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board).
The PWD has already earmarked Rs 20 crore for the preparatory work. The Konkan Railway Corporation had handed over a 'letter of intent' to the state government expressing interest in taking over the project.
The 5.5-km tunnel road that will start from Anakkampoyil in Kozhikode district will end at Kalladi, near Meppadi in Wayanad. The spots are of same height from sea level and the road also would be a level one. No forest stretches need be taken over as the road begins from and ends at private lands.
The cost per km for the road is estimated at over Rs 100 crore, according to experts.
