Once completed, the 8.7 km four-lane tunnel will be the longest in Kerala. The project, with a budget of Rs 2,134 crore, is being handled by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
The Chief Minister said that KIIFB has completed development projects worth Rs 90,000 crore in the past nine years. He added that the government had originally aimed for projects worth Rs 50,000 crore and that by 2024, they had completed projects worth Rs 62,000 crore. He also mentioned that work on national highways, the hill highway, and the national waterway is progressing quickly to improve travel for the public.
Vijayan stated that the government has made many long-delayed projects a reality despite facing numerous challenges. He emphasized that it is the government’s duty to improve the lives and livelihoods of its people. The government is implementing various development projects in sectors like health, education, and infrastructure. Once the tunnel is finished, it will help increase agricultural exports.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of protecting the history and environment of Wayanad, which is rich in forests and historical sites. He said the government is implementing development plans with a 50-year vision. He highlighted the completion of 4.5 lakh homes under the Life Mission project and the distribution of Rs 1,600 to 60 lakh people over the age of 60. He concluded by saying that the government is handing over development projects with a better environment to the next generation.
The event was attended by Ministers P.A. Mohammed Riyas (Public Works and Tourism), K.N. Balagopal (Finance), A.K. Saseendran (Forest and Wildlife), and O.R. Kelu (Scheduled Caste/Tribe and Backward Welfare). MLAs T. Siddique, Linto Joseph, and P.T.A. Raheem, along with Kozhikode District Panchayat President Sheeja Sasi, District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh, Meppadi Grama Panchayat President K. Babu, local representatives, political party workers, government officials, and residents were also present.
With input from KeralaNew.Gov
For more details: Navamalayalam.com
