Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt has initiated steps to speed up the tunnel rail connectivity between Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd and Balaramapuram railway station, aiming to avoid administrative delays during the election period. In a key move, the tender document has been placed before a high-level steering committee chaired by the chief secretary for expedited clearance. The decision is expected to help push the approval process forward without administrative bottlenecks. Land acquisition for the project has largely been completed at both Vizhinjam and Balaramapuram. The govt has also approved the rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) package for landowners who surrendered land for constructing entry and exit tracks on either side of the proposed tunnel. Sources associated with the project said govt is likely to grant approval within the next two weeks. Once cleared, the implementing agency, Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL), will proceed with floating tenders for construction of the rail corridor. The proposed rail link, a crucial element of the port’s connectivity infrastructure, will cover 10.7km, including an underground tunnel stretching approximately 9.4km. The corridor will link the Vizhinjam port to the existing railway network at Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district, enabling efficient cargo movement to various parts of the country. The detailed project report (DPR), prepared by KRCL and approved by the state govt, estimates the project cost at Rs 1,482.92 crore. The tunnel alignment has been designed to minimise land acquisition and reduce environmental impact, particularly in densely populated and ecologically sensitive stretches along the route. The rail corridor is considered critical to the long-term success of Vizhinjam port, which is being developed as a major international transshipment hub. At present, cargo movement relies heavily on road transport, raising concerns over congestion and environmental stress. The dedicated rail link is expected to offer a more efficient and sustainable alternative. Earlier, VISL had planned to float tenders in March, but delays in securing state approval stalled progress. The imposition of the election code further slowed decision-making. “As the proposal is now before the chief secretary-led panel, we expect a quick decision,” said an official familiar with the development. Officials believe that the timely execution of the rail link will play a decisive role in enhancing the port’s efficiency and competitiveness. Given the potential for container traffic at the Vizhinjam port, discussions are underway with Southern Railway to establish a container rail terminal (CRT) near an existing railway station close to Vizhinjam. Until rail connectivity is completed, freight movement will be facilitated through the CRT.
