The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced that the second-longest railway viaduct in India, currently under construction between Buguda and Banigochha stations as part of the Khurda Road–Balangir new line project, is expected to be completed by August 2026. Spanning 4.77 kilometres, the viaduct includes a tallest pier standing 26 metres high.The bridge is being built to enhance rail connectivity in Odisha’s interior regions. The project contract was awarded to Rahee Group and is valued at Rs 2.69 billion. The scope includes viaduct construction, major bridges, road overbridges (ROBs), and associated works across a 20-kilometre section between KM 123 and KM 143 of the Buguda–Banigochha stretch.The viaduct runs from Jamusahi to Gurah village in Nayagarh district and falls between Buguda and Banigochha stations. As of now, 98 foundations, 62 bed blocks, and 41 span girders have been completed.In addition to this major viaduct, Rahee Group is also constructing ROB No. 229, a composite girder bridge at chainage KM 105.06, located between Nuagaon and Daspalla. The company is also providing construction vehicles, site infrastructure, and auxiliary services required to support the project’s execution.Shri Rajesh Kumar Das, Deputy Chief Engineer of ECoR, stated that once completed, the viaduct will be second in length only to the Bogibeel Bridge over the Brahmaputra in Assam.The alignment of the railway had to be altered due to its intersection with the upcoming Brutang irrigation project in Nayagarh district. A substantial part of the railway route was originally set to pass through the planned reservoir. Following consultations with the Odisha Water Resources Department, the alignment was modified to include the 4.77-kilometre viaduct, thereby avoiding disruption to the reservoir infrastructure.In parallel, another viaduct measuring 1,257.6 metres is under construction in Boudh district as part of the same new line project. Shri Das noted that the 75-kilometre segment between Daspalla and Purunakatak will offer passengers a scenic route, with the viaduct and seven tunnels passing through dense forest regions in Nayagarh and Boudh.