The correct answer is Kerala. In News • Kerala is set to build its first underwater tunnel connecting Vypin and Fort Kochi, part of the ambitious coastal highway project. Explanation & Key Takeaways: • The tunnel will reduce travel distance from 16 km to just 3 km under the Arabian Sea, revolutionizing connectivity in Kochi. • The Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) is overseeing the ₹2,672 crore project. • The tunnel will be 2.75 km long, featuring a twin-tube structure with separate tunnels for each direction. • Advanced safety features, such as emergency stops, escape passages, and fire safety systems, will be included in the design. • The tunnel will drastically cut travel time, reducing a 2-hour commute to just 30 minutes and lowering costs for commuters. • Compared to a bridge, the underwater tunnel is a more efficient solution, minimizing environmental impact and disruption to port operations. Related Concepts: • Why an Underwater Tunnel Over a Bridge? • A bridge would require significant height to allow cargo ships to pass, which posed challenges. • The tunnel requires minimal land acquisition, reducing costs and disruptions. • It minimizes disturbances to shipping traffic and port operations, compared to a bridge. • Project Timeline and Features • The tunnel is set to be a first-of-its-kind sub-sea tunnel in Kerala, with features similar to Kolkata’s Hooghly River Metro Tunnel. • It will be constructed with state-of-the-art ventilation and fire safety systems to ensure safety for commuters.