Kozhikode: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday inaugurated the construction work of the Wayanad tunnel project. On this occasion, he said that this tunnel will boost the commercial, industrial and tourism sectors of Malabar.
Chief Minister Vijayan stressed that the government is implementing development projects despite many challenges. He said that many projects, which were once considered impossible, are now coming true. He said, “We have examples like the GAIL pipeline and the national highway.” Vijayan said that hill highways, waterways and other infrastructure projects are currently under construction. Many long-pending initiatives are finally being implemented.
CM Vijayan said that these development projects have been made possible by overcoming various obstacles including political opposition, financial constraints imposed by the central government and interference by vested interests. He pointed out that due to lack of budget, many projects were pending for decades – including projects in the education sector. As a solution, the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) was revived. Currently, KIIFB is working on projects worth Rs 90,000 crore.
He criticised the central government for depriving it of financial funds and called it a painful experience for Kerala. He said that drastic budget cuts, restrictions on borrowing and reduction in loan limits have all affected the state’s revenue. The central government claimed that KIIFB’s loans cannot be treated as state debt, due to which Rs 12,000 crore was denied to the state.
Chief Minister Vijayan alleged that attempts were made to thwart development projects at various stages. “People are really happy with the progress being made in Kerala. However, this is causing disappointment among some groups,” he said. He also accused some people of trying to thwart KIIFB both in public forums and in court. He further said, “When it was declared that KIIFB cannot be dismantled, efforts to disrupt projects funded by it began.”
Why the Wayanad tunnel project is important
The long-awaited Wayanad tunnel project is expected to change the development scenario of the Malabar region. It will enhance connectivity in the hilly areas of Wayanad and Kozhikode and boost the tourism, agriculture and trade sectors of the region. The Kerala government has set a target to complete the project within 60 months.
The 8.73 km long four-lane tunnel will connect Anakkampoyil, Kalladi and Meppadi, providing a safer alternative to the dangerous Thamarassery pass. The tunnel, estimated to cost Rs 2,134 crore, is expected to be completed in four years. Once operational, the tunnel will significantly reduce travel distance and time.
The project is being seen as a major relief for travellers and residents of Wayanad, especially in the wake of frequent landslides and unexpected closure of the Thamarassery Ghat Road. Officials believe that the tunnel will revive the tourism sector and create many employment opportunities.
The improved route is expected to ease the movement of goods from Kerala to neighbouring states like Karnataka, thereby eliminating the long-standing traffic congestion and delays on the existing mountain pass.
