THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the temporary road transit link and land acquisition for rail transit at the Balaramapuram side nearing completion, the construction of the auxiliary services in connection with the Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) is progressing at a steady pace.
The provisional permission of access to connect the port approach road to the existing highway service roads was given by the NHAI regional officer on January 16, Ports Minister V N Vasavan informed the assembly on the other day.
As a permanent solution, the authority has suggested a top-quality intersection solution, called ‘Cloverleaf Solution’, to connect the NH66 with the Port road and outer ring road. The proceedings for this are currently ongoing.
The land acquisition for the rail connectivity is nearing completion in the Balaramapuram area, and is progressing steadily in the Vizhinjam end. The DPR for the special rail line connecting it with the Southern Railways has already been prepared by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited, with necessary government, railway and environmental sanctions already availed. A sum of Rs 193 crore has already been allocated towards this project, which is expected to be completed by December 2028.
Of the 10.7 km rail stretch connecting the port to Balaramapuram railway station, around 9.43 km will be through underground tunnels. The EPC tender documents for the rail line have already been drafted and are awaiting final approval.
Remarkably, the slow pace of auxiliary service development in connection with the port was criticised by Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan during the inauguration of the second phase works of the sea port held in January.
In addition to this, over Rs 114.30 crore has already been spent as livelihood compensation in Vizhinjam. The construction of the solid waste management centre has been completed here. Along with this, a skill development centre, drinking water facilities, playgrounds, community health centre, renovation of fishing harbour, and the construction of a new one are also taking place.