Construction of much anticipated Wayanad tunnel to start this year: Riyas

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister P A Muhammad Riyas has stated that the construction work of the Wayanad Tunnel will commence this year. He added that he would come up with a response after discussion on the request for funds in the Legislative Assembly. 

Minister of Roads mentioned that the tender and notification letter for the construction of this tunnel under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) project have been issued, and the technical contract examination has commenced.

The Konkan Rail Corporation will be responsible for the construction work of the tunnel, with a sanctioned budget of Rs 2043.7 crore. Additionally, he stated that the construction of 149.17 km of hill highway has already been completed.

The government is acquiring around 11 hectares of private land from Thiruvambadi and Kodanchery villages near Anakkampoyil, and 48238 hectares of land from Kottappadi and Meppadi villages near the Meenakshi Bridge area, to facilitate the construction. 

Minister Riyas also mentioned plans to open more caravan parks this year and highlighted that Kerala has the highest number of hotel bookings in the country.

Additionally, the minister addressed the criticism he received from the opposition in connection with being rude. He said in the assembly that if expressing a political stand is considered rude and arrogant, he will continue to do so as long as he's alive. He even accused the opposition of changing their language and approach after winning the Lok Sabha elections.