Dilip Buildcon Limited has emerged as the L-1 bidder for constructing a Twin Tube Unidirectional Tunnel in Kerala’s Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. The ₹1,341 crore EPC project, commissioned by Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd., includes building a 4-lane approach road for seamless connectivity between Anakkampoyil, Kalladi, and Meppadi.
Project Description:
The project road passes through hilly terrain of Western Ghats. The proposed project road is an 8.735 kms long four-lane Tunnel Road including approaches (from existing roads) for providing connectivity between Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi in the Kozhikode and Wayanad Districts in Kerala.
Scope of Work for the Contractor:
- Tunnel Construction: Build a Twin Tube Unidirectional Tunnel with two lanes in each traffic direction between Anakkampoyil, Kalladi, and Meppadi, covering 8.275 km.
- Approach Road: Construct a 4-lane approach road, including culverts, utility ducts, paved shoulders, and road furniture.
- Utility Shifting: Relocate services such as electrical cables, water supply lines, and optical fibre cables (OFC) in coordination with relevant authorities.
- Road Maintenance: Maintain project roads as per the standards and specifications outlined in the agreement.
- Compliance & Obligations: Ensure the fulfilment of all contractual obligations, including meeting specified technical standards and project facilities as detailed in various schedules.
Salient Features of the Tunnel:
- Twin Tube Design: The tunnel consists of two unidirectional tubes, each with two lanes, and a finished width of 10 metres at road level, including a footpath on both sides.
- Altitude & Geology: The tunnel’s altitude ranges from 679m to 852m above sea level, passing through Charnockite and Hornblende Gneiss formations, with an overburden reaching up to 1,080 metres.
- Safety & Speed: Lay-byes are included at 750m intervals for emergencies, with the tunnel designed for an 80 km/h vehicular speed, using the Drill & Blast construction technique with NATM.
Conclusion:
This strategic project by Dilip Buildcon will significantly enhance connectivity in Kerala’s challenging terrains, contributing to regional infrastructure development. The 8.275 km tunnel project, with a completion timeline of 48 months, underscores the company’s commitment to executing large-scale engineering projects efficiently.
Source: Dilip Buildcon – Press Release | Image Credit (representational): MoR
