Kerala hands PWD direct supervision of Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel project

The Kerala government has assigned direct supervisory responsibilities for the Kozhikode-Wayanad tunnel road project to senior Public Works Department officials, signalling a tighter administrative grip on the infrastructure initiative. Under the new directive, the Superintending Engineer of PWD (Roads) at the Kozhikode North Circle, along with Executive Engineers overseeing PWD operations in both Kozhikode and Wayanad districts, will now directly monitor all construction activities.

The administrative restructuring comes after the government imposed a temporary suspension on construction work at all tunnel portals following a debris slip incident reported at Kalladi in July. The incident raised concerns about safety protocols and ground stability at the project sites, prompting authorities to recalibrate oversight mechanisms.

The tunnel road project is considered strategically important for regional connectivity, linking the Kozhikode district with the hill station region of Wayanad. The enhanced PWD supervision aims to ensure adherence to safety standards and construction timelines while addressing the geological challenges that precipitated the earlier suspension.

No timeline has been announced for resumption of tunnel portal construction work. The PWD's direct involvement is expected to streamline coordination between project stakeholders and expedite resolution of outstanding technical and safety concerns identified during the preliminary investigation into the Kalladi debris slip.