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MoEFCC has Granted Final Forest Clearance for the Rs 2,134 Cr Anakkampoyil–Kalladi–Meppadi Tunnel Road
Have you ever been frustrated while stuck in a seemingly never-ending traffic jam on the winding, treacherous curves of the Thamarassery Ghat Road? If you’ve ever travelled between Kozhikode and Wayanad, you know it can be a test of patience, especially during the monsoon or peak tourist season.
A minor technical issue in one vehicle can stall the entire pass for hours. Landslides pose a constant threat. But what if there was a magic wand that could cut straight through the mountains, bypassing this ancient bottleneck completely? That dream has just taken a massive, irreversible step toward reality.
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The highly anticipated Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road project has successfully completed its final major regulatory hurdle. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, also known as MoEFCC, has issued a definitive Stage-II forest clearance. This is enormous.
It marks the end of a long and complex administrative tunnel. For decades, the people of Malabar have demanded a dependable, all-weather alternative route. Their voices have finally been heard, with a resounding “green signal” from the highest environmental authority in the country.
The clear path from the MoEFCC marks the transition from paper plans to heavy machinery on the ground. This is more than just a road project; it’s a massive engineering undertaking. Let’s look at why this Rs 2,134 crore project is so significant, and what the recent approval really means.
Slicing Through the Western Ghats
The sheer size of this project is mind-blowing. We’re talking about building an 8.73-kilometer twin-tube tunnel. Once completed, it will be one of the country’s longest underground road tunnels, a true testament to modern Indian engineering.
The project extends beyond the tunnel. It also includes comprehensive approach roads that will link Anakkampoyil in Kozhikode district with Meppadi in Wayanad district. The total cost of this architectural marvel has now been estimated at Rs 2,134 crore.
This massive investment, made possible by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), demonstrates the state government’s commitment to developing world-class infrastructure that can unlock the region’s untapped potential.
No more Ghat Road Nightmare
The primary, and most widely recognised, advantage of the new tunnel road is its impact on travel time and safety. The current route through Thamarassery Ghat is notorious for its difficult terrain and unpredictable delays. The new tunnel provides a dramatic alternative.
By constructing a direct underground link, the project will effectively reduce the travel distance between Anakkampoyil and Meppadi by 30 kilometres. Consider the time saved, the fuel saved, and the mental peace maintained.
It offers a dependable alternative to the NH 766 Thamarassery segment. This new route will make the journey smoother, faster, and, most importantly, safe. No more nail-biting drives through steep, narrow hairpin bends.
Economic and Tourism Surge
A significant infrastructure upgrade like this always serves as a catalyst for economic transformation. The improved connectivity is expected to reshape the Malabar region’s social and economic landscape, particularly Wayanad, a landlocked district.
It will greatly enhance cargo transit from Karnataka. Industries and agricultural produce, particularly from Wayanad, will benefit from faster and more efficient access to markets in Kozhikode’s coastal plains and major port facilities.
Furthermore, tourism, which is the backbone of the Wayanad economy, will see a significant boost. Travel bottlenecks frequently deter tourists. With a seamless, scenic tunnel entry, Wayanad will become much more accessible to visitors from all over the country.
Strict Strings Attached
Of course, a project of this magnitude in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats cannot proceed without a meticulous focus on preservation. The MoEFCC did not grant blanket approval. It granted final clearance only after imposing 24 stringent conditions.
These environmental safeguards are unavoidable mandates. For example, the state government must carry out compensatory afforestation on an equivalent amount of non-forest land in nearby villages to maintain the ecological balance.
Other conditions specifically prohibit the establishment of labour camps within protected forest areas, require that tree felling be kept to a minimum, and strictly prohibit the construction of new access roads through the forest.
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