The Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi Tunnel is officially being hailed as one of India’s most ambitious underground engineering feats. As construction moves into the high-intensity blasting phase in 2026, the sheer scale of the project is becoming clear, especially when looking at the Wayanad tunnel length and cost.
Among the most searched questions are:
What is the length of the Wayanad tunnel?
How much will the project cost?
In this article, we break down the tunnel length, estimated cost, and why such a massive investment is required.
The Length: A Landmark Engineering Achievement
The Wayanad Tunnel is far more than just a short passage—it is a large-scale infrastructure corridor designed to bypass the sensitive regions of the Western Ghats.
- Total Project Length: Approximately 8.73 km, including the tunnel and approach roads
- Tunnel Section: Around 8.11 km, built as a modern twin-tube tunnel system
- National Significance: Once completed, it is expected to become the third longest road tunnel in India, after the Atal Tunnel and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel
- Approach Roads: Nearly 17.5 km of connecting roads will link the tunnel entrances to existing highways at Thiruvambady and Meppadi.
The Cost: A ₹2,134 Crore Mega Investment
A project of this scale requires significant financial commitment. The Wayanad Tunnel is being funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), ensuring steady funding throughout construction.
- Total Estimated Cost: ₹2,134.5 crore
- Main Tunnel Contract: Awarded to Dilip Buildcon Limited, valued at approximately ₹1,341 crore
- Approach Roads & Bridges: Remaining budget allocated to supporting infrastructure, including a major bridge across the Iruvazhinji River
- Environmental Measures: Funds are also set aside for land acquisition, environmental compensation (NPV), and large-scale afforestation—planting around 1,000 saplings per hectare of forest land used.
Breakdown of Wayanad Tunnel Project Components
1️⃣ Tunnel Excavation
- Cutting through hard rock formations
- Use of heavy machinery and controlled blasting
2️⃣ Safety Systems
- Fire safety and emergency exits
- CCTV surveillance and monitoring
3️⃣ Ventilation & Lighting
- Fresh air circulation systems
- LED lighting for 24/7 visibility
4️⃣ Approach Roads
- New connecting roads on both sides
- Integration with existing highway network
The Wayanad Tunnel is a high-cost, high-reward project. When considering the Wayanad tunnel length and cost, the ₹2,134.5 crore investment reflects the scale and complexity involved. However, the long-term savings in fuel, vehicle maintenance, and travel time—combined with the economic boost to Wayanad—are expected to deliver a strong return on investment for the state of Kerala.
