Thiruvananthapuram: The long-pending rail connectivity to the deepwater transhipment hub at Vizhinjam International Seaport has taken a major step forward. Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) has finally floated an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) tender for the Balaramapuram-Vizhinjam railway tunnel project. The outgoing state government had already approved the tender proceedings before the assembly elections.
Tender Issued, Execution Phase Begins
The tender, issued on Tuesday, marks the formal beginning of the execution phase of the dedicated railway tunnel project linking Balaramapuram railway station with the international port. This move comes days after the election model code of conduct was lifted in Kerala, with KRCL fast-tracking the proceedings for this crucial freight corridor. However, construction is expected to begin later this year, as the deadline for the tender is scheduled for August.
Project Scope and Cost
According to the tender document, the project involves the design and construction of a broad-gauge single-line railway siding between Balaramapuram and Vizhinjam port. This includes a 9-kilometer-long tunnel and a 0.43-kilometer adit tunnel, along with associated civil, electrical, and railway systems work. The estimated project cost has been pegged at Rs 913.77 crore for a total rail connectivity length of 9.508 kilometers. The project is to be completed within 36 months.
Land Acquisition and Contractor Selection
A senior government official related to the project stated, 'The KRCL will find a suitable contractor for the project. The land acquisition on the Balaramapuram side is completed. The land acquisition at Vizhinjam side will be completed soon, and the apprehensions raised by fishermen have been resolved.'
Critical for Cargo Operations
The railway line is considered critical for the future expansion of cargo operations at the port, which is being developed as India's first dedicated deepwater transhipment terminal. Until the railway connectivity is completed, cargo movement to and from the port will depend solely on roads. The proposed rail corridor is expected to significantly ease container evacuation and reduce congestion on the already strained NH 66 corridor in the capital region.
Detailed Project Components
The tender document states that the project scope includes earthwork in cutting and embankment sections, bridges in approach stretches, permanent way works including ballastless track inside the tunnel, overhead traction systems, power supply installations, signalling and telecommunication facilities, integrated tunnel communication systems, public address systems, and video surveillance infrastructure. KRCL has adopted a single-stage, two-packet bidding process for the plan. The bid submission deadline has been fixed for August 10, while the bids will be opened on August 19.
Challenging Terrain
The tunnel alignment, passing through densely populated and ecologically sensitive terrain, earlier underwent several rounds of technical scrutiny, geological assessments, and impact studies. The project is expected to become one of the most challenging railway tunnel works undertaken in Kerala, owing to the difficult terrain and urban stretches along the alignment.
