The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests' expert evaluation committee (EAC) suggested that the Vizhinjam underground railway line, which connects the port to Balaramapuram railway station, be approved for an upgraded environment clearance (EC). It is anticipated that the centre would shortly issue an order based on the suggestion. With this, the implementing agency, Konkan Rail Corporation Ltd., can be instructed by Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd. (VISL) to issue a work tender. But there are some parameters that must be met when building. At last month's 363rd meeting, the EAC recommended approval. Full adherence to the terms of the 2011 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification is one of the requirements for the building activity. In the CRZ region, no building should take place other than that which is authorised in the CRZ announcement. As required under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, permission from the state pollution control board must be acquired in order to develop or run the project. Dumping shouldn't cause any disturbance to the beach. Studies on changes to the shoreline must be done on a regular basis, and mitigation must be done if needed. Six-monthly monitoring reports should be supplied with the details. The anticipated overall cost of the project is Rs. 14 billion. In 2018, Konkan Rail Corporation Ltd. was given responsibility for it. The engineering procurement and construction (EPC) method will be used to carry out the work. Southern Railway has already given its assent to the project. The entire 10.7 km of the train route is above ground, with 9.2 km being underground. Rather than using the EC that was previously acquired for the above-ground rail connectivity concept, VISL submitted a fresh application last year asking for an amendment to the EC for underground rail connectivity. Prior to that, in its 2022 meeting, the EAC had asked for clarifications in order to review the application for an updated EC. According to the proposal, the building of an underground railway tunnel is both required in order to offer a railway connection and serves as the best means of access to the Vizhinjam port, which is now under construction. Train travel and freight flow from the port will both be accelerated by the tunnel. Prior to this, the contract called for railway line construction to start in 2016 and finish in 2022. Adani Group was granted a five-year extension by the state government. VISL anticipates the completion of railway connectivity by 2028, along with the commissioning of the second and third phases of the port.