The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted final forest clearance for the Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi Tunnel Road project at an estimated cost of ₹2,134 crore, enabling the green signal for one of the strategic connectivity initiatives in the region.
The clearance comes after detailed scrutiny of the project’s environmental impact assessment and associated mitigation plans. The decision enables the implementation of the tunnel road project, which seeks to improve transport connectivity by reducing travel time across hilly terrain, enhancing road safety and supporting regional socio-economic development.
The Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi alignment involves the construction of a tunnel-based road link through challenging terrain. The corridor is expected to provide an alternate and shorter route between interior regions and contribute to easing congestion on existing road networks while offering all-weather connectivity.
As part of the clearance, conditions have been stipulated for compensatory afforestation, wildlife protection measures, soil and slope stabilisation, and monitoring of ecological parameters during construction and operation. The implementation of these safeguards will be overseen by designated authorities to ensure compliance with environmental norms.
The project also includes provisions for rehabilitation and resettlement of affected families, construction of protective structures and adoption of best practices to minimise adverse impacts on forest land and biodiversity. Environment management plans have been integrated into the project design in line with statutory requirements.
The final clearance is expected to facilitate mobilisation of resources and commencement of tendering and detailed engineering works. Implementation of the tunnel road project is anticipated to attract investment, improve accessibility to remote areas, and stimulate economic activity in adjoining regions.
The decision marks a key milestone in the project’s approval process and underscores the government’s focus on balancing infrastructure development with environmental safeguards in ecologically sensitive zones.