PWD entrusted with supervision of Kozhikode-Wayanad Tunnel Road Project in Kerala

Search operations are underway at a debris-hit site at Kalladi near Meppadi in Wayanad on July 10, 2026. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Kerala government has officially tasked senior officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) with overseeing the construction of the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi strategic tunnel that connects Kozhikode and Wayanad districts.

As per the new directive, PWD Chief Engineer (Roads), Kozhikode North Circle, along with PWD Executive Engineers (Roads) for Kozhikode and Wayanad will directly monitor all construction activities.

The decision to delegate direct oversight responsibilities is a response to earlier concerns about the absence of a dedicated monitoring agency. The newly assigned officials will coordinate construction activities and ensure strict adherence to standard safety protocols and environmental provisions mandated by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.

Construction work on all portals of the tunnel was temporarily suspended by the government following the Kalladi debris slide in July 2026.

The report of the expert panel is awaited

In a recent speech to the Legislative Assembly, the Prime Minister clarified that work will only resume after an expert commission appointed to assess environmental and safety issues submits its findings and all potential risks are completely eliminated.

While the expert committee members have conducted several site inspections, the final report is yet to be submitted to the government. Panel sources indicate that crucial documents are still awaited from both the contracting agency and various ministries.

Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) remains the primary executive responsible for the construction of the flagship infrastructure project.

Published – November 10, 2026 10:49 AM IST