The Konkan Rail Corporation Ltd (KRCL) is set to float a tender for the detailed design and construction of the Vizhinjam tunnel rail connectivity project in July 2025.

This is a crucial step for linking the Vizhinjam International Seaport with the national railway network at Balaramapuram railway station.

The railway line will span 10.7 km, with a significant portion of 9.4 km running underground as a tunnel. This will make it one of the longest railway tunnels in India.

The tunnel will be constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), at a depth ranging from 25 to 30 meters below ground level.

The rail link is a key component to boost connectivity to the Vizhinjam deep-water port, enabling direct freight rail access and significantly improving cargo handling efficiency.

The revised estimated cost for the project is Rs 1,482.92 crore.