Anakkampoyil-Meppadi Tunnel: Initial work begins, construction progressing rapidly

KOZHIKODE: The initial work of the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel construction, which focuses on the comprehensive development of Wayanad-Kolzhikode districts, has begun. The work has begun to expedite the construction of the tunnel, which will also solve the traffic problem here.

The construction of a temporary bridge has begun across the Marippuzha River at Thiruvambady Anakkampoyil, where the tunnel begins. Concrete pipes are being used to pave the way, as the suspension bridge that currently reaches Swargam Kunnu and crosses the Marippuzha river has collapsed. The bridge will reach Swargam Kunnu, where the tunnel is being built.

The construction of the approach road of the bridge is also in progress. The temporary bridge is in the Bailey bridge model. More machinery will be brought in, and soil testing will begin in the Swargamkunnu section once the bridge work is completed. Road construction has begun in Meppadi Meenakshi, Wayanad, where the tunnel ends. Soil testing has also begun in this section. Once these are completed, the work on the main bridge to be built at Marippuzha and the construction of the tunnel will begin simultaneously from both sides of Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. The widening of the Muthappanpuzha-Anakkampoyil road connecting the tunnel route is also in progress.

The construction work is being carried out by Bhopal-based Duleep Build Con Company.

Construction is as follows

The tunnel construction will begin by January. The tunnel will be constructed using a giant cylindrical boring machine. The New Austrian tunnelling method, which involves drilling the initial section and then blasting the rock to pave the way, will be used. Construction will begin only after the structure and strength of the rock have been properly examined. Proper safety checks will be carried out at each stage of construction. The responsibility of implementation lies with the Konkan Railway Corporation Limited.

8.73 km tunnel

• A four-lane tunnel road, including the approach road, from Marippuzha (Kozhikode) to Meenakshi Bridge (Wayanad). Of this, 8.11 km are double tunnels. Each tunnel has two lanes.
• 5.58 km in Wayanad district and 3.15 km in Kozhikode. A cross passage connecting the double tunnels every 300 meters on the six-curve route.
• A new 70-meter-long bridge to Swargam Kunnu, where the tunnel begins across Marippuzha at Anakkampoyil. One can enter the tunnel after crossing the bridge and passing 200 meters,

• Width of the tunnel road: 10 meters
• Distance between tunnels: 15 meters
• Land required: 33 hectares