Kerala Moves Closer To Vizhinjam–Balaramapuram Tunnel Rail Project; Tender Expected In September

The Kerala government is preparing to invite bids next month for the tunnel rail project linking Vizhinjam International Seaport with Balaramapuram railway station, according to a Times of India report.

Last week, a high-level meeting brought together senior officials of the state government, Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) and Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL).

KRCL presented the detailed plan for the project, which received broad approval, though government and VISL representatives suggested modifications and raised counterpoints.

A final round of discussions is scheduled for the first week of September to resolve outstanding issues before the tender is floated.

The project, estimated at Rs 1,483 crore, will be executed on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis.

The alignment covers 10.7 km, of which 9.4 km will be an underground tunnel built using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), at depths of 25–30 metres. Trains are expected to cover the tunnel in about 36 minutes, travelling at speeds between 15 km/h and 30 km/h.

“The tender process is a crucial step toward transforming Vizhinjam port from a transshipment hub to a cargo gateway. Timely execution of this project will significantly bolster the economic potential of the region,” a senior government official was quoted as saying.

The rail link is widely seen as a game-changer, enabling Vizhinjam to tap hinterland markets in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. However, land acquisition challenges have slowed preparatory work, raising concerns about timelines.

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion targeted by the end of 2028.

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