The long-pending rail tunnel project connecting Balaramapuram railway station and Vizhinjam International Seaport is moving forward, with Konkan Rail Corporation Ltd (KRCL) expected to issue tenders in July 2025. Final clearance from Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL), the state-owned port authority, is awaited before the tender is floated. The project will follow an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model.
Timeline and Execution
Once the tender is issued, a three-month window will be allotted for contractor selection. The chosen contractor will then get another three months for the final design phase. Construction is slated to begin in January 2026. The entire tunnel is expected to be ready by the end of 2028.
Land Acquisition Progress
Land acquisition is progressing in Balaramapuram, with VISL expected to take possession by the end of July. The existing Balaramapuram station will be shifted 600 metres south to accommodate a container yard and tracks linking to the tunnel. On the Vizhinjam side, acquisition is pending due to unresolved concerns from local fishermen and church groups. Authorities plan to hold consultations with affected communities soon. Currently, 19 families reside in the impact zone, and ₹190 crore in compensation is being disbursed by the district administration.
Tunnel Features and Alignment
The rail tunnel will stretch 10.7 km in total, of which 9.4 km will be underground. The project uses the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), with a depth ranging between 25 to 30 metres. Freight trains will operate at 15 to 30 km/h and complete the passage in about 36 minutes. The alignment has been designed to reduce environmental and social disruption, with minimal land acquisition and community displacement.
Strategic Importance and Future Plans
This tunnel is a critical component of Kerala’s plan to enhance connectivity to the Vizhinjam deep-water port and streamline cargo movement. Once operational, the tunnel is expected to significantly boost freight efficiency and logistics at the port. The state government had granted administrative approval in March 2025, and the project received environmental clearance in July 2024. The total estimated cost stands at ₹1,482.92 crore.Additional Developments Under Discussion
Alongside the tunnel project, VISL is considering setting up a container rail terminal (CRT) near Neyyattinkara railway station. However, discussions are still ongoing with Southern Railways, and no final decision has been made yet.
