A key rail project connecting Vizhinjam port to the national railway grid is nearing approval, with tenders expected to be issued within 10 days. This railway link aims to attract cargo from states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, turning Vizhinjam into a cargo gateway rather than just a transshipment hub.

Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL) has formed a review committee to finalise the draft tender submitted by Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL). The tender is likely to be published in August, and contracts are expected to be awarded by November. The 10.7 km-long railway line will include a 9.43 km tunnel—India’s third longest.

The Rs 1,482.92 crore project will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model. The selected contractor will be responsible for design and delivery. Construction is slated for completion by December 2028.

The rail route will run primarily under the Vizhinjam–Balaramapuram road, with about 2.5–3 km of the tunnel passing below private property at a depth of 30–35 metres. To address concerns of residents, authorities plan to release a video walkthrough illustrating that Indian companies have successfully completed 450 km of underground railway tunnels without harming heritage sites or residential structures.

Roughly 5.526 hectares of land is being acquired across four villages: Balaramapuram, Pallichal, Athiyannoor, and Vizhinjam. While road infrastructure to the port is under development, experts warn that additional upgrades are crucial for the port to function at full capacity.