Public Hearing for Vizhinjam Railway Tunnel Project to Reconvene on October 14
The public hearing for the proposed railway tunnel project in Vizhinjam is set to reconvene on October 14. This hearing is specifically for the landowners who will be giving up their land for this ambitious project. The tunnel is designed to connect the Vizhinjam International Seaport with the Balaramapuram railway station.
During the previous hearing, concerns were raised by the landowners, predominantly regarding the tunnel’s exit points. In response to these concerns, officials from Vizhinjam International Seaport (VISL) have organized another session to address these issues comprehensively.
Visual Demonstration and Land Acquisition Process to Address Concerns
In order to provide a clearer understanding to those affected, a detailed visual demonstration of the land acquisition process and the tunnel’s alignment will be presented during the reconvened public hearing. This demonstration aims to alleviate fears and ensure that all concerns are adequately addressed.
Sreekumar K Nair, the CEO of VISL, expressed their commitment to listening to the worries of the landowners and proceeding with the land acquisition only after mitigating their concerns. Recognizing the impact this project may have, VISL intends to cater to the specific requests from landowners by presenting a pictorial presentation that showcases the project’s plans and mitigations.
Land Acquisition Details and Impact on Local Community
A total of two acres of land will be acquired in Vizhinjam, while 11 acres will be taken on the Balaramapuram side near the railway station. The public hearing for land acquisition in Balaramapuram has already been completed, with the landowners there largely accepting the process.
However, the situation in Vizhinjam is more complex. The potential impact on the livelihoods of local fishermen has prompted the Vizhinjam diocese to intervene on their behalf. This demonstrates the multifaceted consequences of the project and highlights the need for comprehensive dialogue and understanding.
Exploring Container Rail Terminal Possibilities
In addition to addressing concerns in Vizhinjam, VISL is exploring the possibility of establishing a container rail terminal (CRT) either at Balaramapuram or Neyyattinkara railway station. Currently, discussions with Southern Railways are in the preliminary stages. This initiative is in line with the overall goal of improving transportation and connectivity in the region.
It’s worth noting that land acquisition for the Thiruvananthapuram-Parassala railway doubling project is also ongoing. The state government is expected to grant administrative sanction for the railway connectivity in an upcoming cabinet meeting.
Environmental Clearance and Land Acquisition Details
The railway tunnel project, which has already received environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change two months ago, is making significant progress. The approach road to the Balaramapuram railway station requires the acquisition of approximately 5 hectares of land.
This project will undoubtedly bring about substantial infrastructure development and improve the region’s transportation capabilities. However, it is crucial to continue engaging with local communities and stakeholders, actively addressing their concerns and ensuring the project’s success is balanced with sustainable development practices.
