National Waterway development: Sivagiri Tunnel to be extended by 500 metres; project to cost Rs 79 crore

KOLLAM: The Sivagiri Tunnel in Varkala will be extended by 500 metres as part of the National Waterway development project. The proposed extension will have a width of 10 metres and is estimated to cost Rs 79 crore. A separate project worth Rs 19 crore is already in place to develop a 1,100-metre stretch of open waterway in the area. This means the actual additional expenditure required for the tunnel extension will be only Rs 60 crore.

The project is also expected to generate benefits worth Rs 170 crore through the value of newly created land and by avoiding the displacement of 30 families living along the waterway. The existing tunnel is 750 metres long and was constructed in 1880. The government has directed the Chief Engineer of the Inland Water Transport Department to prepare a detailed project plan.

The existing tunnel begins at Varkala Vallakkadavu, passes beneath Varkala Junction and ends near Sivagiri. The proposed extension will continue from there, passing in front of Sivagiri. The stretch between the road below Sivagiri and the opposite side of the waterway, including the adjoining land, is 50 metres wide.

The 500-metre extension is expected to create around 25,000 square metres of additional land. Tourist boat services could also be launched through the tunnel from Nadayara Lake, located around 1.5 km away. The newly created land could be used for development activities and parking facilities during the annual Sivagiri pilgrimage.

No need to displace families

• Around six acres of additional revenue land will become available.
• Displacement of 30 families can be avoided.
• The need to strengthen the Sivagiri road can be avoided
• Soil dredged from the waterway can be used for the project