Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Project Achieves Milestone with Tunnel
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Project Achieves Milestone with Tunnel

The Khurda Road-Balangir New Rail Line Project has reached a major milestone with the successful breakthrough of Tunnel No. T3, located between Buguda and Banigochha in Odisha’s Nayagarh district. The East Coast Railway (ECoR) announced that the 2,620-meter-long tunnel, featuring a 2-degree curve, was excavated using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). The breakthrough, or "daylighting," was achieved on January 13, marking significant progress in this critical infrastructure project. Tunnel No. T3 is the longest tunnel in Nayagarh district and the second-longest in the 301-kilometer Khurda Road-Balangir rail line. Constructed with advanced machinery to navigate the rugged terrain of the Eastern Ghats, the tunnel plays a vital role in connecting Odisha’s eastern and western regions, enhancing transportation and economic opportunities. The project involves the construction of seven tunnels over a 75-kilometer stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak. The rugged terrain and geological complexities of the Eastern Ghats have posed significant challenges. Notable achievements include the completion of Tunnel No. 7, the longest at 4.885 kilometers, and successful breakthroughs in four of the seven tunnels, including Tunnel No. 3. Key statistics include: • Total tunnel length: 12.76 kilometers across seven tunnels. • Tunnel No. T3: 2,620 meters long with a 2-degree curve. • Longest tunnel: 4.885 kilometers near Adhenigarh, featuring a 700-meter escape tunnel for safety.

The project has addressed various engineering, geological, and environmental hurdles, including: • Geological complexity requiring advanced tunneling techniques. • Environmental considerations to minimise the impact on wildlife sanctuaries. • High-precision engineering for curved tunnels, with five out of seven having significant curvature. • Simultaneous excavation from both ends to accelerate progress. Out of the 301 kilometers of rail line, 215 kilometers have been completed, including 105.8 kilometers from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 109 kilometers from Balangir to Purunakatak. The remaining section between Purunakatak and Adhenigarh is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed soon. Upon completion, the Khurda Road-Balangir rail line will significantly reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, boosting connectivity, trade, and socio-economic development. Improved access to education, healthcare, and markets will further benefit the region. “The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line Project is a landmark initiative by Indian Railways that promises to enhance passenger and freight movement while driving economic growth in Odisha,” the ECoR said. (odishabytes)

The Khurda Road-Balangir New Rail Line Project has reached a major milestone with the successful breakthrough of Tunnel No. T3, located between Buguda and Banigochha in Odisha’s Nayagarh district. The East Coast Railway (ECoR) announced that the 2,620-meter-long tunnel, featuring a 2-degree curve, was excavated using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). The breakthrough, or daylighting, was achieved on January 13, marking significant progress in this critical infrastructure project. Tunnel No. T3 is the longest tunnel in Nayagarh district and the second-longest in the 301-kilometer Khurda Road-Balangir rail line. Constructed with advanced machinery to navigate the rugged terrain of the Eastern Ghats, the tunnel plays a vital role in connecting Odisha’s eastern and western regions, enhancing transportation and economic opportunities. The project involves the construction of seven tunnels over a 75-kilometer stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak. The rugged terrain and geological complexities of the Eastern Ghats have posed significant challenges. Notable achievements include the completion of Tunnel No. 7, the longest at 4.885 kilometers, and successful breakthroughs in four of the seven tunnels, including Tunnel No. 3. Key statistics include: • Total tunnel length: 12.76 kilometers across seven tunnels. • Tunnel No. T3: 2,620 meters long with a 2-degree curve. • Longest tunnel: 4.885 kilometers near Adhenigarh, featuring a 700-meter escape tunnel for safety. The project has addressed various engineering, geological, and environmental hurdles, including: • Geological complexity requiring advanced tunneling techniques. • Environmental considerations to minimise the impact on wildlife sanctuaries. • High-precision engineering for curved tunnels, with five out of seven having significant curvature. • Simultaneous excavation from both ends to accelerate progress. Out of the 301 kilometers of rail line, 215 kilometers have been completed, including 105.8 kilometers from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 109 kilometers from Balangir to Purunakatak. The remaining section between Purunakatak and Adhenigarh is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed soon. Upon completion, the Khurda Road-Balangir rail line will significantly reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, boosting connectivity, trade, and socio-economic development. Improved access to education, healthcare, and markets will further benefit the region. “The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line Project is a landmark initiative by Indian Railways that promises to enhance passenger and freight movement while driving economic growth in Odisha,” the ECoR said. (odishabytes)

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

Next Story
Resources

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?