The Kerala state government is expected to soon invite expressions of interest (EOI) for the construction of the Vypeen-Fort Kochi undersea tunnel connecting Vypeen and Fort Kochi as part of the 48 km coastal highway project in Ernakulam district. 

This decision follows a feasibility report by Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (K-Rail) approving the project. 

The project includes the construction of two 2.75 km parallel tunnels - 1.75 km of bored tunnel and 1 km of cut&cover approach sections at both ends - each carrying a 4-m wide highway lane and a 3-m wide service lane. The design includes emergency stop bays every 250 m and escape routes every 500 m with ventilation, , ensuring global safety standards. 

The tunnels - external diameter 12.5 m and internal width 11.25 m - will run 35 m below sea level, providing 20 m of water depth for ships, accommodating. future port development, and a 15-m soil cushion for tunnelling stability. 

This tunnel road will cut the existing 16 km  coastal highway section between Vypeen and Fort Kochi and will reduce traffic congestion on the existing NH 544 and NH 66. 

The project - estimated cost Rs2,762 crore - includes Rs 1,225 crore for twin-tube tunnels and Rs 500 crore for land acquisition. 

An earlier overbridge proposal was scrapped because technically and financially unviable due to ship traffic at the Cochin Port. The tunnel, requiring minimal land on either side, offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative with reduced environmental and logistical challenges.

Visit https://keralarail.com/, https://kerala.gov.in/ and https://www.pwd.kerala.gov.in. 48/25.