The Khurda Road-Balangir rail line project has reached a major milestone with the successful breakthrough of Tunnel T2, located between Buguda and Daspalla in Odisha’s Nayagarh district. The East Coast Railway (ECoR) announced the development.

The breakthrough, achieved on May 30, marked the completion of excavation work for all seven planned tunnels along the route, accomplished using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM).

ECoR stated that Tunnel T2 is the second longest tunnel in Nayagarh district, stretching 1,775 metres and incorporating a 2-degree curve. It highlighted that the tunnel plays a significant role in the overall project and was constructed using advanced technologies and tunneling techniques to navigate the difficult terrain of the Eastern Ghats. The achievement, according to the railway authority, sets a new standard in infrastructure execution for Indian Railways.

With the completion of Tunnel T2, all seven tunnels across the 75-kilometre stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak have now been successfully excavated, ECoR confirmed.

A significant portion of the Khurda Road-Balangir rail corridor, which spans 301 kilometres, is already operational. The functional sections include the 106-km stretch from Khurda Road to Daspalla and the 120-km segment from Balangir to Purunakatak. Work is currently underway on the remaining 75-km stretch from Purunakatak to Adhenigarh.

Once the entire line is operational, it is expected to significantly cut down travel time between Bhubaneswar and Balangir. The project will also enhance access to education, healthcare, and markets, while providing uninterrupted rail connectivity between eastern and western Odisha. ECoR noted that this flagship infrastructure initiative is poised to transform regional transport, close critical infrastructure gaps, and drive inclusive economic growth across the state.

News source: Odisha Bytes