Officials attached to the Kozhikode Division of the Harbour Engineering Department are optimistic about the funding for the proposed ₹356-crore underwater tunnel project across the Chaliyar.
Beypore legislator V.K.C. Mammed Koya, who has taken an interest in the project, says that funds could be secured via Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), a government-owned financial institution to mobilise funds for infrastructure development.
But there are other ways as well. “Funds could be easily procured from Green Climate Fund,” T. Jayadeep, Assistant Executive Engineer of the department, said.
The concept was to construct an underground tunnel connecting the two banks of the Chaliyar in an effort to reduce the traffic congestion on the coastal roads.
“A draft report has been prepared following a request from the Beypore MLA. However, it was in the initial stage, and it was up to the State government to decide on giving priority to the project,” he said.
The department came up with the idea of operating a ferry link in Beypore under the Coastal Connectivity Green Corridor project. The Public Works Department could decide on the execution of the project and prepare a detailed project report for the purpose. A preliminary discussion in this regard was held in Kozhikode last week, and new rounds of discussions will be held in Thiruvananthapuram shortly.
The proposed tunnel crossing will be constructed on the 2-km stretch from Beypore coir factory to the Chaliyam forest depot. However, the length of the tunnel under the river and the approach roads on either side will be 400 m. The total width of the tunnel road will be 10.5 metres, including 7.5 metres for carriageway, and remaining for footpaths on both sides.
“Underwater tunnels give a relief for existing bridges and allow ships to pass. It is cost-effective and requires no acquisition of land,” Mr. Jaydeep said.
However, senior government officials said the PWD and even the State government were reluctant to go ahead with the project for multiple reasons. Anticipated opposition from the fishing community is one of the major reasons.
Apart from a ferry link, the tunnel project would give a stimulus to the development of Beypore port, tourism and fishing sectors.
