MoEFCC Grants Final Forest Clearance for Rs 2,134 Cr Anakkampoyil–Kalladi–Meppadi Tunnel Road
The 8.73 km twin-tunnel project, estimated at Rs 2,134 crore, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on August 31, 2025. Preliminary works are underway, and tunnel boring operations are expected to begin soon.
The project had earlier received Stage-I forest clearance for diversion of 17.263 hectares of forest land. Of the total alignment, 5.76 km of the tunnel passes through forest area, requiring use of the approved forest land. Environmental clearance for the project was granted in June 2025.
The tunnel road aims to improve connectivity between Kozhikode and Wayanad, reducing travel time and enhancing access to the hilly district. However, environmental groups have raised concerns over potential ecological impact, as the alignment passes near landslide-prone zones that witnessed major landslides in 2018 and in the Mundakkai–Chooralmala region in 2024.
Published on:
26 February 2026
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