Vizhinjam–Balaramapuram Rail Tunnel Project ₹1,482.92 Crore Tender Likely Next Week.

The tender for the ₹1,482.92 crore Vizhinjam–Balaramapuram railway tunnel project is expected to be floated next week, marking a key milestone in improving connectivity to the upcoming Vizhinjam International Seaport.

Officials said the project has already secured all necessary state government clearances. The implementing agency, Konkan Railway Corporation Limited, is expected to float the tender once the model code of conduct is lifted, which is anticipated later this week. Once that happens, the bidding process is likely to proceed without delay.

Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited Managing Director Divya S. Iyer said the project has entered a crucial phase. “All statutory clearances are in place, and the proceedings will go ahead as scheduled,” she said.

Officials indicated that construction could begin within two months of awarding the contract. The initial phase of work is expected to start from the Balaramapuram side, where land acquisition has already been completed. Acquisition in remaining stretches is in advanced stages, with rehabilitation packages for affected families already approved.

The project involves building a 10.7-km rail corridor linking the port to the national railway network, of which about 9.4 km will run underground. The tunnel will be constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method and will pass at depths of 25–30 metres to minimise surface disruption in densely populated coastal areas.

The rail link is considered a critical infrastructure component for the Vizhinjam port ecosystem. Once operational, it is expected to reduce dependence on road transport, ease congestion, and improve cargo movement efficiency by enabling seamless freight connectivity from Vizhinjam to national railway routes via Balaramapuram and onward to major markets across southern and western India.

The project is targeted for completion by the end of 2028, in line with the port’s long-term expansion plans and its ambition to develop into a major logistics and maritime hub.