The field survey to finalise the optimal alignment of the proposed Poozhithode–Padinjarathara bypass has been completed under the supervision of engineers from the Kozhikode-based Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society. The survey in Kozhikode district concluded last week, identifying a feasible route that reduces the total distance while avoiding the difficult curves and steep terrain found in earlier alignments.
The State government had sanctioned ₹1.50 crore for the survey work to facilitate the project, which had been proposed as one of the feasible routes to bypass the Thamarassery pass. However, there had been no considerable progress due to the pending approval from the Forest department for survey work in areas under the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary. Permission to carry out the field survey was granted only on June 13, 2025, after which the work was temporarily interrupted by monsoon-related calamities.
A preliminary survey had earlier been carried out along the Poozhithode–Karinkanni stretch of the route, covering forest land under the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary. Prior to that, the field survey in Wayanad district had been completed.
“A Detailed Project Report is expected after a thorough review of the proposed alignments within two weeks. In accordance with the Public Works department’s directions, details of two practical alignments will be submitted soon for final evaluation,” said an engineer associated with the project. He added that the project would not cause any environmental hazards or disrupt wildlife.
The Poozhithode–Padinjarathara bypass project, extending over 27 kilometres, began in 1994. Construction had been completed over about 70% of the total distance before it was halted in 1995 following objections from the Forest department. The department had found that around nine kilometres of the proposed alignment passed through reserved forest land, which could not be cleared for road development.
According to revenue department officials, 183 families — 150 in Wayanad and 33 in Kozhikode — had surrendered their land for the project nearly three decades ago. The completed portions included a 2-km stretch from Poozhithode to Panakkamkadavu, a 5-km mud road from Panakkamkadavu to Karinkanni on the Kozhikode side, and the Padinjarathara–Kalikkalam stretch in Wayanad, covering a total of 14.28 km. The remaining 12.94-km stretch, including 9 km of forest area, will have to be completed in the next phase.
Published – October 12, 2025 08:08 pm IST
