In a groundbreaking move for India’s infrastructure, Kerala is set to construct its first-ever underwater tunnel connecting Vypin and Fort Kochi, a project that will redefine coastal travel and urban connectivity in the state. The ₹2,672 crore initiative, part of Kerala’s coastal highway development, will reduce the current 16 km commute to just 3 km beneath the Arabian Sea.
Project Highlights
The twin-tube tunnel will span 2.75 km, featuring 1.75 km of bored sections and 1 km of cut-and-cover tunnels. Each tube will have an outer diameter of 12.5 metres, running 35 metres below sea level. It will include modern safety features such as emergency stops every 250 metres, escape routes every 500 metres, and advanced ventilation systems meeting international standards.
Travel and Economic Impact
Once completed, the tunnel will reduce travel time between Fort Kochi and Ernakulam by nearly two hours and cut commuting costs by about ₹1,500 per month. Passengers will complete the trip in 30 minutes, paying only ₹50–₹100, compared to the current ₹300 average via ferry or detour routes.
Why a Tunnel, Not a Bridge
An earlier overbridge proposal was scrapped after experts found it 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.
Timeline and Implementation
The Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) will oversee the project and invite Expressions of Interest (EOI) soon. Construction is projected to take 30 months, with 18 additional months for land acquisition. If initiated in April 2025, the tunnel could be completed by September 2027.
Related GK Facts
- India’s first underwater metro tunnel was built under the Hooghly River in 2017 for Kolkata Metro.
- The Vypin–Fort Kochi route forms part of Kerala’s coastal highway from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod.
- Sub-sea tunnels use reinforced concrete to withstand hydrostatic pressure and seismic activity.
Once operational, the Vypin–Fort Kochi Underwater Tunnel will stand as a symbol of engineering innovation and a major step forward in Kerala’s sustainable transport revolution.
