Vizhinjam International Seaport is getting ready to handle exim (export-import) cargo, but the 9km railway line that is going to be built connecting the port to Balaramapuram railway station to operate goods trains may not have the capacity to handle double-stack container trains as the rest of the railway network is not capable of handling such heavy loads in the state.
With the port receiving 1,000 to 1,500 transhipment containers per ship, the demand for swift container movement to other parts of the country is expected to surge. However, sources indicate that the railways is not planning to build the line to accommodate double-stack trains, as the rest of the network lacks the necessary infrastructure.
Trade bodies argue that designing the line for double-stack capability during the planning stage is crucial, as upgrading it later would be costly and complex. “The railways must increase the height of overhead equipment (OHE) and tunnels, especially since a significant portion of the line will be underground. Without provisions for future upgrades, modifications will be nearly impossible,” an official explained.
The detailed project report outlines a 10.7km railway line, with 9.02km underground, aiming for completion by Dec 2028. While the railways are implementing double-stack-capable lines on freight corridors, Vizhinjam’s potential as a major transhipment hub underscores the need for high-capacity infrastructure.
Since trial operations began in July 2024, the port has handled three lakh containers and welcomed 150 ships, including motherships. Similarly, the railways is yet to decide if they have to put high-capacity overhead power cables on the line. Though it’s a new railway line, it will have to be upgraded later.
