Govt to conduct feasibility study of undersea tunnel construction

15 Mar 2022 CW Team

Experts want government officials to take the initiative to sanction a Rs five crore grant for a technical feasibility study of undersea tunnel construction as part of the state's coastal highway project.

If the project is funded by the government, reputable institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology, which has a separate wing for ocean engineering, can conduct the feasibility study, according to Jose Paul, former acting chairman of Mumbai's Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).

Between Fort Kochi and Vypeen, the water edge is about 450 m wide. By car, it takes about 45 minutes to get to Fort Kochi. If the tunnel becomes a reality, it could be reduced to less than 20 minutes. It will also provide much-needed fast transportation for people travelling from the state's northern districts to the south.

According to conversations with tunnel construction experts, the total cost could be around Rs 1,500 crore. Only after the feasibility study has been completed can the actual cost be estimated.

To ensure a smooth ride for heavy vehicles, the approach road to the tunnel will require about 800 m on either side.

Jose Paul recalls the Fort Kochi boat accident seven years ago that claimed the lives of 11 passengers.

In 2015, Paul proposed an undersea tunnel to avoid such a tragedy and ensure seamless connectivity between Vypeen and Fort Kochi. Paul is also the former chairman of the Mormugao Port Trust.

Jose Paul, who was backed by Adv Majnu Komath, Goshree Action Council chairman, and Capt Phillip Mathew, MD, LOTS Shipping Limited, to take the project proposal to the Kerala government, received a positive response from experts with whom informal discussions on tunnel construction were held.

Image Source

Also read: Mumbai coastal road project: BMC completes 1 km boring

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..