Kochi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has opened a preliminary investigation into alleged breach of contract in the construction of the Kuthiran tunnel on National Highway 544. The CBI's Kochi Unit will also investigate if the six-lane highway tunnel in Kuthiran, Thrissur, has had a negative impact on the environment. 

PB Satheesh, a Thrissur native, had previously filed a complaint alleging corruption during the tunnel's construction. The CBI summoned Satheesh to its office in Kochi and collected his statements. As per the reports, CBI officials will visit the tunnel premise to collect evidence.

CBI claimed that it has unearthed a Rs 102.44-crore scam in connection to the construction of the Angamaly-Mannuthy road stretch on National Highway 544. Following this, CBI decided to investigate the complaint lodged by Satheesh. However, the CBI requires the permission of the state government to register a case and take further action.

The contract for the project, worth Rs 230 crore, clearly states that Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) be used to drill tunnels without impacting the hill or the eco-sensitive zone. The complaint, however, claims that the hired firm breached the contract terms and used explosives to drill the tunnel. 

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the opening of one of the twin-tube tunnels on July 31, 2021. Later, on January 30, 2022, the second tunnel was opened to the public.