India's Third Longest Rail Tunnel To Connect Vizhinjam Port To National Railway Network; Tender Expected In August: Report

The railway link connecting the Vizhinjam port to the national rail network is reportedly poised to move into the tendering phase within the next ten days.

The project is expected to gather pace with the tender likely to be floated in August, The New Indian Express reported.

According to the report, Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) has formed a committee to review the draft tender proposal submitted by Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL).

If all goes to plan, the contract will be awarded by November, kicking off work on a 10.7 km railway corridor that includes a 9.43 km tunnel which is set to become the third-longest of its kind in India.

“Road and rail connectivity are critical for a port’s evolution from a transshipment hub to a gateway for cargo. Traffic from south Indian states will boost shipping activity and expand market opportunities. It’s a major win for Kerala’s economy,” a source close to the development was quoted as saying by TNIE.

With most of the rail tunnel planned beneath the Vizhinjam–Balaramapuram road and a portion under private land, the design is intended to minimise displacement and environmental impact.

Authorities are planning a video walkthrough to allay local fears about tunnelling under residential zones.

“The concerns of residents are valid. But Indian companies have already built over 450 km of underground railway tunnels,” an official said, drawing parallels with Delhi’s metro lines.

Land acquisition is under way in four villages, while parallel work on development of road infrastructure to the port is at various stages.

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