Kerala Rail Development Corporation Proposes Key Rail Link Extension to Vizhinjam Port

INDIA, January 2026 — As nations across Asia prioritize infrastructure development to enhance economic activity and trade, India’s southern state of Kerala is advancing plans for a strategic rail expansion. The Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd. (KRDCL) has proposed a project aimed at improving regional connectivity and linking to a major international port.

KRDCL has recommended that the state government prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for extending the proposed Angamaly–Erumely Sabari rail line. The planned extension would continue from Punalur northward to Thiruvananthapuram, ultimately connecting to the Vizhinjam international seaport, a development of strategic importance for the region.

The new rail link is expected to be transformative for Kerala’s transport network. It aims to reduce traffic congestion on roads, cut travel times, and provide a vital freight corridor to support increasing cargo volumes at Vizhinjam port. The project is also projected to help lower the transport sector’s carbon footprint.

A preliminary survey for a similar extension from Erumely to Thiruvananthapuram was conducted in 2013 but was not pursued due to concerns over low returns. The current proposal is supported by substantially increased traffic density and the strategic development of the Vizhinjam port, reflecting a changed economic and logistical scenario.

This initiative aligns with broader Asian trends of investing in multi-modal transport systems to facilitate trade, improve logistics efficiency, and promote sustainable economic growth. Successful implementation could unlock the full potential of regional economies and strengthen global supply chains.

Source: The Hindu