Vizhinjam railway tunnel plan faces serious environment and land stability worries

A proposed railway tunnel connecting Balaramapuram and the Vizhinjam International Seaport has sparked major concerns over environmental damage and land stability in the region. The project is estimated to cost over ₹1,500 crore and runs beneath a densely populated area of Thiruvananthapuram district. This marks the State's second major tunnel project and the country's third-longest railway tunnel.

Expert Warnings

Dr. V. Nandakumar, former head of the Natural Hazards Research Group, stated that authorities appear to have skipped a comprehensive geological study by competent national institutions along the 10.7-kilometer alignment. He noted that the route passes through fragile terrain containing decomposed lithomargic clay, red soil, and sand beneath a layer of laterite. The impervious concrete structure, built about 30 metres underground, could act as a barrier to east-west groundwater flow and cause local wells to dry up. Heavy container trains moving through the tunnel could also create vibrations that damage nearby homes and buildings, potentially leading to land subsidence. Furthermore, the project may restrict property development and building permits in the land above the tunnel and buffer zone.

Alternative Route

Critics suggest an alternative overland alignment through lower-lying areas near the Pallichal-Mudavoorpara paddy fields. This surface route sits ten metres lower than the proposed tunnel and could avoid populated settlements, protect water resources, lower construction costs, and allow for easier track expansion in the future. Senior government officials maintained that they chose the tunnel path because it serves as the shortest route from existing railway lines to the port.

Context

Large infrastructure projects often require careful balancing between fast transport connectivity and regional ecological stability. Fragile soil types and high population density present unique engineering challenges for underground boring work, particularly when vital local resources like open wells are at risk.