Opening the gateway: Kerala CM triggers first blast at Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi Tunnel

KOZHIKODE: Kerala’s ambitious infrastructure vision moved closer to reality this week as the state officially commenced rock drilling operations for the Anakampoyil-Kallady-Meppadi tunnel. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the first blast at the tunnel's right section in Marippuzha, marking a significant step forward for the landmark project.

Expressing his pride in the project’s progression, the Chief Minister noted that the operation has commenced with full confidence in its successful completion. The start of blasting activities follows the receipt of essential Stage-2 clearances, signaling that all regulatory preparations are in place.

During the site visit, representatives from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the Konkan Railway, and the Public Works Department (PWD) briefed the Chief Minister on the technical intricacies of the tunnel construction.

Presiding over the event, Minister for Public Works P.A. Muhammad Riyaz highlighted the project's strategic importance, asserting that the tunnel is poised to positively impact every sector in Kerala. He framed the commencement of the work as a definitive response to the controversies and challenges that had previously surrounded the road project.

The event was attended by Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran, MLA Linto Joseph, Public Works Secretary K. Biju, and KIIFB Executive Director K.P. Purushothaman. The project is being executed by a consortium comprising Dilip Buildcon of Bhopal and Royal Infrastructure of Kolkata.