Kannur: The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has approved Rs 73.9 crore for land acquisition for the Chorkkala-Bavuparamba, Mayyil, Kololam, and Mattannur Airport Link Road, a key route in the district. The sanction follows discussions by MLA MV Govindan with senior KIIFB officials.

Around seven hectares of land owned by 1,600 landowners will be acquired for the road development. The notification for acquisition will be issued shortly, after which land documents can be verified and compensation transferred to the owners’ bank accounts. The allocation of Rs 231 crore for road construction is also in its final stages.

The 22.5 km stretch, starting from Chorkkala on the Taliparamba-Sreekandapuram state highway, will be renovated, including the relocation of electric poles and water authority pipelines.

The upgraded route will provide residents of Kasaragod and hilly areas of Kannur, such as Alakode, Kudiyanmala, Chapparapadavu, Cherupuzha, and Pulingome, with easier access to Mattannur Airport via the hilly highway. It can also be reached from Kanjirangad on the Taliparamba-Manakadavu-Coorg road.

The ETC-Poomangalam-Mazhoor-Panniyoor road, currently being renovated at Rs 69 crore, will further enhance connectivity for passengers from Alakode and Naduvil. Beyond airport access, the route will also improve travel to the major pilgrimage and tourist site of Parassinikkadavu.