Why in News?
The Vallarpadam rail link in Kochi, built for container movement to the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), remains underutilised 14 years after commissioning due to high rail freight costs, low trade patronage, and preference for cheaper, flexible road transport.
Description:
- Location: Kochi, Kerala; commissioned in 2011.
- Purpose: Connect ICTT Vallarpadam with mainland (Edappally) for container transport.
- Length: Main bridge 4.62 km; total track 8.86 km.
- Cost & Agency: ₹370 crore; executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL).
- Stakeholders: Concor (15% in ICTT operator), DP World (operator).
- Issue: Underutilised due to high rail freight, preference for road transport, and short-haul logistics.
- Proposed Solution: Dual-use rail link for freight + Kochi Metro; enhances urban connectivity, reduces road congestion, boosts tourism.
- Significance: Part of India’s first transshipment terminal under Sagarmala vision; highlights challenges in modal shift from road to rail.
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