Thiruvananthapuram, July 25 — The Vizhinjam Port Tunnel rail corridor, a key infrastructure initiative poised to revolutionise southern India's logistics landscape, is moving into its next phase. The Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd. (KRDCL) is expected to open tenders in August 2025, with contract awards scheduled by November. Construction will follow under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model, with the ₹1,482.92 crore project slated for completion by December 2028.

The 10.7-kilometre alignment will include a 9.43-kilometre tunnel, connecting the upcoming Vizhinjam International Seaport directly to the national rail network. Designed to streamline cargo movement, the corridor will allow goods to bypass congested highways and travel more efficiently to and from the port.

Officials confirmed that most of the tunnel will run beneath existing public roads. This alignment minimises land acquisition and mitigates environmental and social disruptions — a priority given the densely populated terrain. To further engage local communities, authorities prepare a detailed video walkthrough of the tunnel project, outlining safety measures, environmental safeguards, and engineering practices.
Experts believe the project could turn Vizhinjam into a primary cargo gateway for the country. "Direct rail connectivity is critical. It reduces logistics cost and enhances the port's competitiveness," said a senior official at K-Rail. The corridor is expected to significantly increase freight traffic from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and other southern states, positioning Kerala as a central maritime hub.

The Vizhinjam port, developed by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd., is already being built as India's first deep-water transhipment hub. With the addition of dedicated rail access, it is expected to challenge Colombo and Singapore as preferred transhipment points for international trade routes.

The tunnel corridor is part of Kerala's broader push to integrate multi-modal logistics and strengthen its port-led development strategy. Once operational, the Vizhinjam Port Tunnel rail project is set to redefine southern India's supply chain efficiency and regional economic growth.

Sources: Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd. (KRDCL), Adani Ports & SEZ, Government of Kerala transport infrastructure updates.