Railway Tunnel Project: Public Hearing on Land Acquisition Resumes Oct 14

24 Sep 2024 CW Team

During the previous hearing, significant concerns were raised by the landowners, particularly regarding the tunnel's exit points. This led officials from Vizhinjam International Seaport (VISL) to organise another session that will include a detailed visual demonstration of the land acquisition process and the tunnel's alignment to provide a clearer understanding to those affected. As many as 19 families may lose their homes due to the land acquisition.

Sreekumar K Nair, the CEO of VISL, stated that they would reconvene the public hearing in Vizhinjam to ensure all concerns are addressed. He noted that a pictorial presentation would be provided, as requested by the landowners, emphasising their commitment to listening to all worries and proceeding with the acquisition only after alleviating those fears.

In total, two acres of land will be acquired on the Vizhinjam side, while 11 acre will be taken on the Balaramapuram side near the railway station. The public hearing for land acquisition in Balaramapuram was completed last month, and the landowners there have largely accepted the process. However, the situation in Vizhinjam is more complex due to the potential impact on local fishermen's livelihoods, which has prompted the Vizhinjam diocese to intervene on behalf of the community.

In addition to addressing concerns in Vizhinjam, VISL is also exploring the possibility of establishing a container rail terminal (CRT) either at Balaramapuram or Neyyattinkara railway station. Discussions with Southern Railways are currently in the preliminary stages, particularly as land acquisition for the Thiruvananthapuram-Parassala railway doubling project is ongoing. The state government is expected to grant administrative sanction for the railway connectivity in an upcoming cabinet meeting. The project has already received environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change two months ago, and approximately 5 hectares of land at Balaramapuram will need to be acquired for the approach road to the railway station.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The public hearing for landowners in Vizhinjam, who will be giving up their land for the proposed railway tunnel project, is scheduled to reconvene on October 14. This tunnel will connect the Vizhinjam International Seaport to the Balaramapuram railway station. During the previous hearing, significant concerns were raised by the landowners, particularly regarding the tunnel's exit points. This led officials from Vizhinjam International Seaport (VISL) to organise another session that will include a detailed visual demonstration of the land acquisition process and the tunnel's alignment to provide a clearer understanding to those affected. As many as 19 families may lose their homes due to the land acquisition. Sreekumar K Nair, the CEO of VISL, stated that they would reconvene the public hearing in Vizhinjam to ensure all concerns are addressed. He noted that a pictorial presentation would be provided, as requested by the landowners, emphasising their commitment to listening to all worries and proceeding with the acquisition only after alleviating those fears. In total, two acres of land will be acquired on the Vizhinjam side, while 11 acre will be taken on the Balaramapuram side near the railway station. The public hearing for land acquisition in Balaramapuram was completed last month, and the landowners there have largely accepted the process. However, the situation in Vizhinjam is more complex due to the potential impact on local fishermen's livelihoods, which has prompted the Vizhinjam diocese to intervene on behalf of the community. In addition to addressing concerns in Vizhinjam, VISL is also exploring the possibility of establishing a container rail terminal (CRT) either at Balaramapuram or Neyyattinkara railway station. Discussions with Southern Railways are currently in the preliminary stages, particularly as land acquisition for the Thiruvananthapuram-Parassala railway doubling project is ongoing. The state government is expected to grant administrative sanction for the railway connectivity in an upcoming cabinet meeting. The project has already received environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change two months ago, and approximately 5 hectares of land at Balaramapuram will need to be acquired for the approach road to the railway station.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..