East Coast Railway (ECoR) is on track to achieve significant milestones in the Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line project. ECoR General Manager Manoj Sharma announced the completion of 142.5 km out of the 301 km project length. This includes approximately 105.8 km from Khurda Road to Dasapalla and 36.6 km from Balangir to Khambeswarpali. Inspecting the ongoing Purunapani-Sonepur Railway Section, Sharma emphasised the importance of passenger comfort through improved station facilities.

Looking ahead, ECoR aims to finish an additional 84 km rail line, spanning from Khambeswarapali to Purunakatak, in the fiscal year 2023-24. Sharma's assessment underscores Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw's focus on regional railway infrastructure development.

The project is also addressing challenges, such as the construction of a vital River Bridge on the Tel River, a tributary of the Mahanadi. The project holds paramount importance as it not only enhances connectivity but also contributes to the economic and socio-cultural ties between Western and Coastal Odisha.

During the inspection, ECoR officials, including Chief Administrative Officer (Construction) P. Sreenivas, Divisional Railway Manager Vineet Singh, and other senior figures, discussed the ongoing progress of this pivotal rail undertaking. The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line project stands as a testament to the commitment of railway authorities to regional growth and connectivity.