Vizhinjam port rail: Kerala asks Centre to bear entire Rs 1,800 crore cost

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has asked the Centre to bear the entire cost of constructing the 10.7-km railway line to Vizhinjam port. The project is expected to cost around Rs 1,800 crore by the time it is completed in four years. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had announced in Parliament that the Vizhinjam rail line has been included in the Centre’s PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for infrastructure development. However, allocating funds for the project is at the discretion of the Centre. It is against this backdrop that Kerala has made its demand.

Kerala has pointed out that the main beneficiaries of cargo movement from Vizhinjam will be southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The project will also generate revenue for the Railways and the Centre. The rail line will provide a faster and cheaper way to transport containers arriving at Vizhinjam on mother ships to different parts of the country. It is also expected to support industrial growth and the setting up of new businesses across the country. The rail link will also help in exporting Indian products to global markets. Citing these benefits, the state has written to the Centre seeking full funding for the port rail project. The Chief Minister is also expected to meet the Prime Minister to raise the demand.

The railway line will connect Vizhinjam port to the main railway line at Balaramapuram station.

Construction by VISL, Railways to control operations

• The construction and maintenance of the railway line will be handled by Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL). The Railways will oversee the project and control train operations.
• The construction is being carried out under an agreement between VISL and Southern Railway. Konkan Railway Corporation has been entrusted with the construction work. The tendering process is already under way, and the construction contract is expected to be awarded this year.
• The state government has approved a detailed project report worth Rs 1,482.92 crore. The Railways estimates that the project will cost around Rs 1,600 crore. As land prices are high in Kerala, the total cost could rise to around Rs 1,800 crore, including railway development expenses.
• Around Rs 198 crore will be required to acquire 5.52 hectares of land.
• Balaramapuram railway station will have to be relocated and a container yard will be constructed. The station and tracks on the slope will also have to be levelled. Two parallel tracks will be constructed. Kerala will have to pay Rs 243 crore to the Railways for these works.

PM Gati Shakti

PM Gati Shakti has a logistics component aimed at improving cargo movement. It also includes an action plan for faster and cheaper freight movement and the integrated development of the logistics sector.

Vizhinjam is eligible for support under this framework. Funds will also be provided for projects aimed at improving the speed and ease of cargo movement from ports.