THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a strategic move to attract cargo traffic from southern states to Vizhinjam port, a vital railway link connecting it to the national rail network is on the verge of approval. Authorities are expected to green-light the tender process in the next 10 days, marking a significant milestone in the port’s evolution into a cargo gateway.
A committee formed by Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) will review the draft tender document submitted by the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL). The tender is expected to be published in August, with the contract proposed to be awarded by November this year. This will initiate construction of the 10.7km-long railway line, including a 9.43km tunnel, which will be the third longest railway tunnel in India.
The railway connectivity is expected to open up cargo movement from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Although it is unlikely that Kerala itself will contribute significantly to container traffic, the state is poised to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the project.
“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 said.
Despite Vizhinjam port attracting major vessels and exceeding its initial container-handling estimates, most cargo is currently rerouted via feeder ships. The upcoming road and rail links are expected to shift this dynamic — enabling direct-cargo movement out of the port gates.
“A shirt manufacturer in Tiruppur exporting 1,000 shirts would likely prefer road transport over waiting for transshipment — due to the faster and more predictable delivery timelines,” the source added.
Project challenges
The Rs 1,482.92-crore rail project is slated for completion by December 2028. It will be executed under the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) model, with the selected contractor responsible for design.
The 9.43km-long underground tunnel will minimise land acquisition and environmental disruption. The route will mostly run beneath the Vizhinjam-Balaramapuram Road, with 2.5-3km passing below private land at a depth of 30-35 metres.
To ease public anxiety over the tunnel running beneath homes, authorities plan to release a video walkthrough of the project. “The concerns of residents are valid. But Indian companies have already built over 450km of underground railway tunnels. Even the heritage structures in Old Delhi remain unaffected by the metro network,” said an official with the ports department.
Approximately 5.526 hectares of land are being acquired for the project in Balaramapuram, Pallichal, Athiyannoor, and Vizhinjam villages.
Meanwhile, development of road infrastructure to the port is at various stages. Experts caution that the road network and infrastructure development still require a significant push to meet the anticipated demand from full-scale port operations.