Wayanad Tunnel Road Project Gets Approval from State Panel

State Panel Clears Way for Tunnel Construction with Safety Conditions

The State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) has approved the plan to build a twin-tube tunnel road between Kozhikode and Wayanad. However, the panel has set 25 conditions to ensure safety during construction. The project, worth Rs 1,643.33 crore, aims to provide an alternative route to the busy Thamarassery Ghat Road. The SEAC approved the project in its March 1 meeting after reviewing it in eight sessions.

Contract Awarded to Dilip Buildcon Ltd.

The Government of India has appointed KITCO Ltd. as the project proponent, while the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. will manage the implementation. Dilip Buildcon Ltd. will build the tunnel, and Royal Infrastructure Company will construct the approach road. The plan includes a four-lane twin tunnel road and a four-lane approach road.

To ensure compliance, the SEAC has requested reports every six months to check whether the conditions are being followed. These conditions include safety measures, monitoring of landslide-prone areas, and protection of wildlife. For example, automated weather stations must be set up on both sides of the tunnel road to warn about heavy rain.

Concerns Over Environmental Risks

Despite the approval, there are concerns about the project’s environmental impact. The SEAC’s decision to allow construction in landslide-prone areas with caution has faced criticism. N Badusha, president of Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi, expressed his worries. He pointed out that the project documents do not clearly explain the impact of vibrations and blasting on nearby structures. According to him, allowing the project without addressing these risks properly is like ignoring public concerns.

Key Conditions for the Project

• Safety Precautions: Since the tunnel will pass through an environmentally sensitive area, proper safety steps are required.
• Landslide Monitoring: Micro-scale mapping and regular checks must be done in landslide-prone areas.
• Weather Stations: Automated weather stations should be installed on both sides of the tunnel to provide warnings about heavy rainfall.
• Wildlife Protection: A four-member committee nominated by the district collector should oversee the protection of the Appankapu elephant corridor. In addition, 3.0579 hectares of forest land should be acquired for this purpose.
• Bird Conservation: Measures must be taken to protect endangered birds such as Banasura Chilappan and Nilgiri Sholakili.

Overall, the Wayanad tunnel project promises to ease traffic. However, it also raises concerns about safety and environmental risks. The coming months will show how well these challenges are managed.

Follow us for the Latest Infra Industry Updates

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/infrajunction/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/infra_junction/