Kuthiran Climb, a mountainous rocky terrain on the Thrissur-Palakkad highway, which had a terrifying criminal background some three decades ago, has rewritten its history with the construction of the ‘largest’ twin tube road tunnel in the country.
The 28 km between Mannuthy and Vadakkanchery through Kuthiran is a vital stretch of the highway connecting Thrissur and Palakkad districts. However, until the mid-eighties, people used to think twice before venturing on the route as Kuthiran Climb was believed to be a haven for criminals.
Experience of a family on the deserted forest road had even found place in a high school textbook. Two sanyasis sought lift in a car in which a family was travelling. En route, the man on the wheel happened to see through the rear view mirror the sanyasis rummaging through their bags, which contained knives and weapons along with jewellery with bloodstains all over.
He realised that they were criminals in disguise. He stopped the car with an excuse of a technical problem and sought their help to push the vehicle.
Once the criminals stepped out, the family sped away in the car.
However, the scene had changed drastically since then with a manifold increase in traffic. Slowly, Kuthiran Climb, riddled with potholes witnessed traffic snarls day and night. The pathetic condition of the road led to accidents, causing hundreds of deaths. In an accident two years back, four of a family in a car was crushed between two lorries at Kuthiran Climb.
Now offering solace to passengers and vehicle owners, the twin tube road tunnel is becoming a reality. The nearly-one-km tunnels are expected to ease the traffic while traversing the Kuthiran hills. Overcoming many challenges, including protest by local people, one of the tunnels is nearing completion. Drilling of the entire length has been completed and trial run is expected in April.
965 metres
According to National Highways Authority of India statistics, each of the tunnel will have a length of 965 metres. It will have a width of 14 metres and height of 10 metres, making it the largest tunnel in the country.
Sources in the Mumbai-based Pragathi Engineering and Rail Project, which has undertaken the contract, expected to complete the work by March end.
The work to increase the height of the tunnel was on.
The company is optimistic about completing the work on schedule.
Around 400 people, two boomers, five concrete sprayers, 15 excavators, and 40 dumber vehicles to remove boulders are deployed at the site.
The work of the second tunnel is also progressing. Around 75 per cent of the length has been completed. The work to connect the tunnels and electrification will start soon.
