Kerala Government Mulls Undersea Tunnel Between Vypeen And Fort Kochi To Expedite Coastal Highway Project: Report

The Kerala government is reportedly preparing to invite expressions of interest (EOI) for the construction of a tunnel under the sea between Vypeen and Fort Kochi as part of the ongoing coastal highway project, Times of India reported.

The decision comes after K-Rail submitted a report endorsing the feasibility of the project.

Currently, work on the coastal highway in the Kochi area has not yet commenced.

In Ernakulam district, the highway will span approximately 48 km, connecting key coastal areas.

Constructing a tunnel across the shipping channel between Fort Kochi and Vypeen could significantly reduce travel distance and project costs.

Without a tunnel, the highway alignment would need to be rerouted over land, requiring additional land acquisition and incurring substantial cost escalations.

The proposed tunnel would shorten the Vypeen–Fort Kochi section from 16 km overland to just 3 km under the sea. Cost of constructing the tunnel would be around Rs 2,762 crore.

The design envisages two parallel tunnels to facilitate smooth traffic flow in both directions. Further, three-metre-long service roads and a four-metre-wide highway are also planned.

Once completed, the tunnel is expected to ease traffic congestion in Kochi city, offering dedicated lanes for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Planners emphasise that this modern infrastructure will not only cut commuting time but also enhance overall urban mobility along the busy coastal corridor.

The total length of the Kerala coastal highway is planned at 623 km, with the overall project cost estimated at Rs 6,500 crore.

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