Kerala set to approve Vizhinjam rail connectivity project soon

The state govt is set to approve the much-delayed tunnel railway network project from Vizhinjam Port to Balaramapuram railway station in the cabinet meeting this month. Sources close to the project said that all the preparatory works were completed and the govt’s nod is expected within two weeks.

Two weeks ago, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan suggested seeking advice from experts of the related field in the Netherlands to implement it, as it is the longest first railway tunnel project in Kerala. The govt has also cleared the rehabilitation and resettlement package for the landowners who conceded their land to build the entry and exit railway tracks on either side of the railway tunnel at Balaramapuram and Vizhinjam.

The construction of the tunnel railway line to the Vizhinjam International Port will commence soon and is expected to be completed by Dec 2028, minister for ports VN Vasavan informed the assembly on Monday. The state govt is responsible for the railway line’s construction. As per the previous concession agreement, the railway line was originally supposed to be completed by May 2022. However, under the new settlement agreement with the port operator, the deadline has been extended to Dec 2028. Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd has been entrusted with the construction of the railway line.

According to the detailed project report (DPR), a 10.7km-long railway track will connect the port with the Balaramapuram railway station. Of this, 9.02km will pass through tunnels. “The DPR received approval from Southern Railway and the project also secured environmental clearance from the central ministry. Once the state cabinet grants its final approval, construction work will begin. Efforts are also being made to secure funding for the project under various central govt schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti, Sagarmala and Rail Sagar. Given the potential for container traffic at the Vizhinjam Port, discussions are underway with Southern Railway to establish a Container Rail Terminal (CRT) near an existing railway station close to Vizhinjam,” Vasavan said in the assembly. Until rail connectivity is completed, freight movement will be facilitated through the CRT. Land acquisition for the project is nearing completion, with 4.697 hectares in Balaramapuram, Pallichal and Athiyannur villages in the final stages, while the acquisition of 0.829 hectares in Vizhinjam village is progressing. The total estimated cost of the railway project, including 5.526 hectares of land acquisition (Rs 198 crore), is Rs 1,482.92 crore.