In a significant development for Kerala's connectivity, the Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has established a joint working group to examine the feasibility of constructing a tunnel road on the NH 766 stretch. This move comes as a direct response to the persistent night traffic ban issues affecting the route through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka.
Addressing Longstanding Concerns
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari formally communicated this decision to Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, who has been actively advocating for a resolution. The tunnel project is being considered as a viable alternative to mitigate the challenges posed by the night traffic restrictions, which have been in place since 2009. These restrictions, enforced from 9 PM to 6 AM on a 34.6-kilometer forest road segment, were initially implemented following a plea from the Karnataka Forest Department to safeguard wildlife.
Political Advocacy and Economic Impact
Priyanka Gandhi had previously raised these concerns in a letter to Minister Gadkari on October 11, 2025, and later met him in person on December 19, 2025. During their meeting, Gadkari assured her that the demands would be considered sympathetically. Gandhi had also committed to working on lifting the night traffic ban during her election campaign, highlighting its significance for the region.
Political parties in Kerala have consistently urged a reconsideration of the ban, arguing that it hampers seamless interstate movement of passenger traffic and the transportation of goods from Kerala to Karnataka. This disruption has had a tangible impact on Wayanad's economy, making the search for a sustainable solution all the more urgent.
Expert Recommendations and Infrastructure Projects
In addition to the tunnel feasibility study, Gadkari informed Gandhi that an expert committee has already submitted its recommendations. This committee, comprising retired Additional Director General R K Pandey and Divya P V, an associate professor at IIT Palakkad, provided insights on October 3 regarding immediate and long-term measures to address recurring mudslips in the Thamarassery Ghat road section.
Instructions have been issued to the state Public Works Department to implement these measures, with a consultant from MoRTH appointed to monitor the progress. Furthermore, the minister highlighted that four projects worth Rs 105 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund have been approved for the Wayanad constituency.
Progress on Hairpin Bends and Historical Context
Contracts have been awarded for the development of the sixth and seventh hairpin bends on the Thamarassery Ghat road, with completion expected by February 2027. This infrastructure push is part of broader efforts to enhance road safety and connectivity in the region.
It is worth noting that the Karnataka government had previously withdrawn a counter affidavit filed by the forest department last year. This affidavit had suggested that the NH 766 stretch connecting Kozhikode in Kerala with Kollegal in Karnataka via Bandipur could be permanently closed once the alternative road, State Highway 88, was developed as an elevated road. The current feasibility study for a tunnel road represents a shift towards a more integrated and wildlife-friendly solution.
The formation of the joint working group marks a proactive step by MoRTH and the railways to explore innovative infrastructure solutions. By studying the tunnel road feasibility, authorities aim to balance ecological conservation with economic and transportation needs, potentially paving the way for improved interstate connectivity and regional development.
