Government to issue tender for Vizhinjam rail link next month

By Admin

25 Aug, 2025

The much-anticipated tunnel rail connectivity project linking Vizhinjam International Seaport with Balaramapuram railway station is moving closer to reality, as the state government prepares to float a tender in September. This crucial project is expected to transform Vizhinjam into a major cargo gateway, significantly strengthening its role in India’s maritime trade network.

Tender Review and Finalisation

On Saturday, a high-level meeting brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the state government, Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL), and Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL). During the meeting, KRCL presented the detailed project plan, which received broad approval. However, VISL and government representatives suggested certain modifications and raised counterpoints, leading to the scheduling of a final round of discussions in the first week of September. The tender will be officially issued once these refinements are completed.

Project Scale and Scope

With an estimated cost of Rs 1,483 crore, the project will be executed under an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract. The alignment spans approximately 10.7 km, of which nearly 9.4 km will pass through a tunnel. This tunnel will be constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), designed to reach depths of 25 to 30 metres below the surface.

Trains are expected to travel through the tunnel in about 36 minutes, at speeds ranging between 15 and 30 km/h. This design ensures a balance between safety, efficiency, and the logistical needs of freight movement.

Strategic Importance for Vizhinjam Port

According to a senior government official, “The tender process is a crucial step toward transforming Vizhinjam port from a transshipment hub to a cargo gateway. Timely execution of this project will significantly bolster the economic potential of the region.”

The tunnel rail link will not only strengthen connectivity to Vizhinjam but also open up the port to hinterland markets across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. This will give exporters and importers faster, more reliable access to global trade routes.

Challenges and Timelines

Despite the optimism, land acquisition delays have been a persistent hurdle, slowing down the pace of project rollout. Addressing these challenges will be key to keeping the project on track.

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion targeted by the end of 2028. Once operational, the rail link will provide seamless freight connectivity, positioning Vizhinjam as a leading hub in India’s maritime logistics sector.