‘Not Due to Tunnel Work’: Konkan Railway Defends Wayanad Project After Deadly Landslide

Konkan Railway Corporation has rejected allegations that the deadly July 7 Wayanad landslide at the Anakkompoyil–Meppadi tunnel project was caused by construction negligence, stating that the collapse occurred away from the protected excavation zone.

The clarification came after the Kerala government termed the disaster “manmade” , raising concerns over possible links between construction activities, soil dumping, and slope management failures.

Konkan Railway said the landslide occurred around 200 metres away from the tunnel excavation area and originated from a height of over 100 metres above the tunnel crown , creating heavy pressure that triggered a sudden debris flow. The company claimed the soil and muck at the site were stable, but the rapid collapse uprooted trees and swept away earth, trapping people present there.

The corporation said tunnelling work had stopped due to the monsoon and only technical staff were monitoring slope conditions. It maintained that all work followed approved designs, drainage systems, temporary supports, and slope protection measures .

The project has faced scrutiny over allegations that accumulated soil was not removed despite official directions, possibly worsening the landslide impact. The disaster at the Wayanad-Kozhikode tunnel project has claimed seven lives , with one person still missing, intensifying debate over infrastructure development and environmental safety in fragile regions.