The state government has given permission to sign the agreement for the construction of railway line to Vizhinjam International Port. This has paved the way for the realization of the Vizhinjam – Balaramapuram freight rail line. The notification was issued three months before acquiring the land. Railways will not be in charge of the rail line to the port. The construction will be on the Non-Governmental Railway (NGR) model. The draft of the detailed plan has already been approved by the Southern Railway. The state government approved the final draft.
In 2018, the Konkan Rail Corporation was entrusted with the construction of the rail line. The route will reach Vizhinjam port via Balaramapuram-Pallichal-Venganoor. The first phase of the Vizhinjam port will be completed in September. The railway line is being established to facilitate faster and cost-effective movement of cargo from the port. Balaramapuram railway station near the port was chosen for ‘connectivity’. A broad gauge line will be constructed parallel to the existing railway for 1.2 km from Balaramapuram station. Balaramapuram station will be elevated as a ‘crossing station’. Balaramapuram will become a hub for freight movement with the development of the railway station. The line will be built in such a way that electric locomotive trains can be used to reduce air pollution.
