The Khurda Road-Balangir New Rail Line Project in Odisha has reached a significant milestone with the successful breakthrough of its final tunnel, located between Buguda and Daspalla in Nayagarh district.
This achievement marks the completion of excavation work across all seven planned tunnels in this strategic railway corridor, bringing the project closer to its completion. The final tunnel, Tunnel No. 2 (T2), spans 1,775 meters and features a 2-degree curve. It was constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), a modern technique that employs advanced technology and machinery to navigate challenging terrains. T2 is the second-longest tunnel in Nayagarh district and stands as a testament to the engineering prowess involved in this ambitious project. With the completion of T2, the breakthrough of all seven tunnels in the 75-kilometer stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak has now been achieved.
The total length of these tunnels is 12.76 kilometers, with three tunnels located in Nayagarh district and the remaining four in Boudh district. Constructing these tunnels involved overcoming complex challenges, including varying soil and rock conditions and traversing wildlife zones. The Khurda Road-Balangir rail line spans 301 kilometers, with significant portions of the project already completed. The sections from Khurda Road to Daspalla (106 kilometers) and from Balangir to Purunakatak (120 kilometers) have been finished, while the remaining 75 kilometers from Purunakatak to Adhenigarh are under progress. Completion of the final segment will establish seamless railway connectivity between eastern and western Odisha, bringing extensive benefits to both passenger and freight traffic.
Once fully operational, the railway line will reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, improve access to education, healthcare, and markets, stimulate trade and regional development, and support freight movement across Odisha and beyond. This project not only enhances transportation infrastructure but also contributes to the economic growth and development of the region. As the project progresses towards completion, it stands as a significant achievement in infrastructure development, demonstrating the capabilities of modern engineering techniques and the commitment to enhancing connectivity in Odisha.
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