Project Chala

Project Chala

Chala is a small census town strategically located around 7 kms from the Kannur town, and falls under Chembilode Panchayath. Chala came into limelight when the Chala Bypass was inaugurated some 20 years back, with the purpose to avoid the two railway level crosses in National Highway - 17. It also enabled quick access to NH for the people in Chembilode Panchayath. The Chala Bypass Junction is the place where NH66 and SH38 merges.

Currently, the road has been officially renamed as NH-66, and this small 3km is now part of Kannur Corporation. This route is now a talking point after the recent Kannur NH Bypass project announcement. The proposed NH Bypass, starts from Puthiyatheru and ends in Kizhuthally. Kizhuthally is just 1 km away from Chala Hills. This Bypass project is in the final stage. 

Upon completion of this Bypass project, The present Chala Bypass junction will also become an access point for Kannur Airport. Two Super Specialty Hospitals (Aster MIMS and GIMCARE Hospital) in the  Kannur District are situated in this road. When the proposed Kannur bypass becomes a reality, the Chala will become the major access point in Kannur district connecting 6 municipalities (Kannur, Thalassery, Kuthuparamba, Mattannur, Iritty, Thaliparamba), all comes within 20 km distance. The Kizhuthally - Chala Bypass

All these developments are pointing to a bright future of Chala and also Kannur. The present congested Kannur town is an indication for a new satellite town. Chala is the appropriate location to serve the purpose. Let's look at what are the outcomes we can expect from the development of Chala.

1. IT Park

One of the main challenge Kannur is facing now is, lack of industries to support the growth of district. Airport is now functional, and we need some boost in industrial growth. Keeping in mind the environmental roadblocks, the area where can exploit is none other than IT/ITES. Some years ago, Kerala government proposed an IT park in Eramam- Kuttoor village in Kannur, which is roughly 30 kms away from Kannur, and 60 kms from Kannur Airport. The projects seems like stalled, with no developments in past few years. The best option to start an IT park in Chala hills. Chala hills are mostly depopulated area, and it will be easy for authorities to rehabilitate the native people. People will also be in favour if they are getting land away from hilly area.

2. Railway Station

There was a Railway Station in Chala, which was wind up many years back. The Station was closed by Indian Railway citing lack of profit. Even today many political outfits demanded to reinstate this Station, as it is easier for people from Kuthuparamba side to get access to passenger trains to Kozhikode and Mangalore routes. This can reduce congestion in Kannur town and Kannur Railway station. The Station can also become a hotspot for IT Park employees, similar to how Trivandrum Kazhakkoottam Railway Station is serving as a link for Techno Park.

3. Other Government Projects

Chala hills already had Chintech campus, which is one of the most popular education hub for primary, secondary and higher education. Hence, government can root for other institutions similar to NIFT.

4. Commercial Projects

Aster MIMS Hospital and GIMCARE Hospital will ensure more public commutation in this area. Vast available barren land in this area can be utilized for commercial complexes and buildings. A mall is already coming in Thazhe Chovva, which is roughly 3 km distance from Chala bypass junction. Similar projects can also be encouraged.

Additionally, the freight station in Edakkad is very near to Chala bypass, which is big plus point for commercial business ventures.

5. Residential Projects

Existence of numerous educational, career and business opportunities will invite more people in search of permanent stays. The current difficulties in Kannur Municipal area is to manage the population and availability of land. New residential projects can be planned in Chala - Kizhuthally strip.

6. Semi Speed Railway line

Kerala government already started a new semi speed railway line project - Silverline, which will make travel time from Kasargode to Trivandrum at a stunning 5 hour. Kannur Railway Station is  the only station in the district in Silverline route. Other railway stations can run feeder trains to support commuters. Chala station is roughly 8 kms away from  Kannur Railway Station. It can become the nearest station for people from Kuthuparamba, Eachur regions to avail the feeder train facility.

7. Tourism

Tourism opportunities can be exploited well with the development of Chala Junction. Muzhappilangad and Dharmadam beaches are very near to Chala (Within 10 km distance). Muzhappilangad beach is the Asia's biggest and India's only drive-in beach. Many projects are going on now and more will come in future.

To sum up, the nearness of airport (when Kannur bypass becomes a reality) and development Kannur NH bypass will open new window of opportunities for both government as well as private sector. The bypass junction is the future Edappally, and the railway station is the future Kazhakkoottam. 

Updated: 11 Mar 2022