On Saturday, the first road tunnel on the NH in Kerala was opened to traffic. Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari partially opened the tunnel as the state government was arranging a big event for the opening.
“We will open one side of the Kuthiran Tunnel in Kerala today. This is the first road tunnel in the state and will drastically improve connectivity to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The 1.6 km long tunnel is designed through Peechi- Vazahani wildlife sanctuary,” he tweeted.
By the evening, vehicles were allowed to pass through the tunnel.
The tunnel on NH 544 between Palakkad and Thrissur would help to relieve traffic congestion along the stretch. It will also shorten the journey by about 1.5 kilometers.
The tunnel construction began about ten years ago. Though plans to open the tunnel had been in the works for some months, it was damaged in January when a large rock fell over it as the ground was being removed. The tunnel would be open by August 1, as Kerala Public Works Minister Mohammed Riyaz stated.
However, those involved in the tunnel construction say they had no information about the tunnel’s opening until yesterday. As a result, the union minister’s decision to open the tunnel could cause political controversy. According to NHAI sources, the tunnel was only partially opened.
When the tunnel is completely operational, a formal inauguration ceremony may be organized.
