Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on 31 August, 2025 laid the foundation stone for the 8.73-km tunnel connecting Kozhikode with Wayanad at a ceremony held at St. Mary’s School Ground, Anakkampoyil.

Addressing the gathering, CM Vijayan said the tunnel would boost the commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors of Malabar. “Several projects, once deemed impossible, are now becoming a reality. We have examples like the GAIL pipeline and National Highways,” he said, highlighting ongoing infrastructure initiatives.  He credited KIIFB’s revival for enabling Rs 90,000 crore worth of projects despite obstacles.

The four-lane tunnel, costing Rs 2,134 crore, will be completed in four years. It will serve as Kerala’s longest and India’s third-longest tunnel road, offering a safer alternative to Thamarassery Pass and significantly reducing travel to Meppadi and Sultan Bathery.