Uncertainty over tunnel road fuels push for Vilangad-Mananthavady route

Work on the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road project was halted after a debris slip near its entrance on July 7, 2026. | Photo Credit: file photo With the Thamarassery Ghat Road frequently witnessing traffic congestion, the demand for an alternative road connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad is gaining momentum.The proposed Vilangad-Panom-Kunhome-Mananthavady route is being pushed as a possible alternative, particularly for travellers from north Kozhikode to north Wayanad.The renewed demand for an alternative route comes amid uncertainty over the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin-tube tunnel road project (Kozhikode-Wayanad Tunnel Road). Work on the project was halted after a debris slip near its entrance at Kalladi on July 7, 2026.The demand for the Vilangad-Mananthavady route is nearly five decades old. The first move to establish a road from Vilangad through Panom to Kunhome, bypassing the ghat, began in 1977. Further efforts were made towards the end of the 1980s and in the early 1990s under the leadership of the MLAs of the time.The demand gained fresh momentum around 2009, when protests were launched seeking a forest road. A people’s committee organised a march from Vilangad into the forest, but the police stopped the march.According to residents, only around 3 km of new road needs to be built to connect the existing roads and make the proposed route operational. A wide road already connects Vilangad with Panom, while the distance from Panom to Kunhome is around 7 km. Around 4 km of this stretch is already covered by a coupe road.Historical significanceResidents said the route had historical significance as it was used in the past by people travelling between Vilangad and Wayanad.However, the entire 7-km stretch between Panom and Kunhome falls within reserve forest, making forest clearance a major hurdle.Those who support the project have suggested an elevated road as a possible solution. They said a viaduct could be constructed with minimal disturbance to the forest, allowing wildlife to move underneath it. An earlier study conducted by Vanimel grama panchayat had proposed constructing bridges and culverts as part of the route.The demand was raised again at a people’s convention held recently to press for the Vilangad-Mananthavady road. The convention was inaugurated by Shafi Parambil, MP.Committee formedA committee has been formed to coordinate efforts for the project, with K.M. Abhijith, MLA, as chairman and Kozhikode district panchayat vice-president K.K. Navas as convenor. MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Shafi Parambil and MLA Usha Vijayan have been named chief patrons.The committee has decided to convene a high-level meeting in Thiruvananthapuram soon. It has also decided to seek funds for a preliminary survey for the proposed route and prepare an expert report for submission to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Further efforts will be made to seek the Centre’s approval for the project.Meanwhile, the State government is awaiting an expert panel’s report before deciding whether to resume work on the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi twin-tube tunnel road. Published - September 05, 2026 07:43 pm IST