Kerala approves ₹1,482 crore underground railway for Vizhinjam

The Kerala Cabinet has approved a detailed project report for a new underground railway line connecting Vizhinjam port and Balaramapuram railway station. This railway line aims to link the seaport with India's existing railway network. The project will cost approximately ₹1,482 crore and is expected to be completed by December 2028. This new agreement is in partnership with Adani Vizhinjam Private Port Limited. The railway line will be 10.7 kilometers long, with 9.43 kilometers of it being a tunnel, which will be the third longest in India. The project has already received environmental clearance from the central government. The Kerala state government is also seeking additional funding through various central schemes, such as PM Gati Shakti and Sagarmala. Land acquisition for the railway link has begun. The final stages of acquiring 4.697 hectares in Balaramapuram, Pallichal, and Athiyannur villages are underway, along with 0.829 hectares in Vizhinjam village. The Vizhinjam International Seaport started commercial operations on December 3, 2024. Since then, it has managed over 4 lakh TEU of cargo, handling more than 200 ships. However, the lack of proper rail and road connectivity has been a challenge for the port's full potential.