Polling Stations
Azhikode features around 1–2 pages worth of polling booths listed on the Chief Electoral Officer's site, covering wards in Kannur Municipal Corporation zones (Pallikunnu and Puzhathi) alongside the five panchayats of Azhikode, Chirakkal, Narath, Pappinisseri and Valapattanam.
Examples of booths include:
Azhikode North Aided UP School (North-East, West, Middle, East sides)
Kappakkadavu Jama Ath LP School, Hidayathool LP School at Poythum Kadavu (East & West)
Akliyath LP School main building (North, Middle, South sides)
Azhikode Ramajayam UP School (North, Main, East wings)
Azhikode High School (South, North, West sides)
Azhikode South UP & LP Schools (multiple wings)
Govt Fisheries LP School, Govt Mappila LP School (East, West)
Azhikode Central LP School (North, South), Govt HS Azhikode (North, South sides)
West UP School and EMS Smaraka HSS at Pappinisseri, multiple wings
These stations span coastal wards, riverbank zones, and urban-rural interface areas, providing wide voter access.
Geographic & Demographic Peculiarities
The constituency includes coastal areas and estuarine zones around the Azhikkal estuary, where the Valapattanam River meets the Arabian Sea. It features popular beaches like Meenkunnu, Chalil, and river-landscapes near Valapattanam. Azhikode panchayat’s population (combining North and South) was approximately 47,323 in 2011, with a notably high sex ratio of 1,198 females per 1,000 males, and literacy rate of 97%, exceeding Kerala’s average.
Economic Profile & Livelihood
Blue economy & fisheries: Azhikkal estuary supports fishing and small-scale boat operations; the river-port and local harbour offer support infrastructure.
Remittances (NRIs): Like much of Kannur, Gulf migration remittances play a pivotal role in household incomes.
Trade & small business: Coastal wards and Valapattanam see commerce in fisheries, timber, coir and small-scale retail.
Agriculture: Limited paddy, coconut and vegetable farming in hinterland zones of Azhikode and panchayats.
Institutional employment: The upcoming Indian Coast Guard Academy near Azhikkal adds a future institutional income channel.
Economic Strata
The bulk of residents belong to the middle-income bracket, supported by stable remittances, small-scale commerce, and fisheries. Some coastal fisherfolk remain below the poverty line, while a minority of land owners and entrepreneurs inhabit higher-income tiers.
Recent Development Activity
A major infrastructure project underway is the Munambam–Azhikode Bridge, set to connect Azhikode with Munambam in Ernakulam district via the coastal highway. This nearly 900 m bridge, started in June 2023, aims to boost connectivity across Kerala’s coastal belt. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard Academy is under development at Azhikkal, expected to bring institutional employment and training to the constituency. Local efforts are also enhancing fisheries infrastructure, modest tourism around beaches, and improving road and civic amenities in Pappinisseri and Chirakkal zones.
Conclusion
Azhikode Assembly Constituency is a coastal-riverine region shaped by fishing, commerce, and remittance-backed resilience. With sky-high literacy and a predominantly middle-class population, its economic life is anchored in marine livelihoods and small trade. Ongoing infrastructure like the Munambam-Azhikode Bridge and the Coast Guard Academy hold promise for growth. Together with civic improvements and marine-centric planning, the constituency is poised for inclusive coastal development.
