The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has made significant progress on the Khurda Road-Balangir railway line, having completed 9.1 kilometres of the 12.7-kilometre tunnel segment. The ambitious project, which features seven tunnels between Dasapalla station in Nayagarh district and Purunakatak station in Boudh district, is on track to be finalised by the end of 2025.
Among these, the standout is the state’s longest tunnel stretching 4.2 kilometres between Purunakatak and Charichhak. This tunnel includes a 700-metre escape route, reflecting a robust safety measure in its design. ECoR officials highlighted that the tunnel construction involves some of the most complex engineering challenges faced in railway infrastructure development. The project spans four major tunnels in Boudh district, located between Adhenigarh and Purunakatak, and three in Nayagarh. The region’s diverse geological conditions, characterised by varying soil densities and rock formations, have necessitated the use of advanced tunnelling techniques. These methods are crucial for maintaining tunnel stability and ensuring safety through meticulous planning and execution.
Notably, five of the seven tunnels feature curves, presenting unique challenges in terms of alignment and structural integrity. To address these challenges, construction is being carried out simultaneously from both ends of the tunnels, aiming to expedite progress. Overall, ECoR has completed 199 kilometres of the new rail line’s 301-kilometre stretch. This includes 105.8 kilometres from Khurda Road to Dasapalla and 93 kilometres from Balangir to Boudh. The remaining segment, from Boudh to Purunakatak, is expected to be completed within the coming months.
The ongoing work exemplifies the commitment to enhancing regional connectivity through advanced railway infrastructure, despite the considerable technical hurdles encountered.
