Bhubaneswar: The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line Project, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has successfully achieved a breakthrough in a 1,975-meter-long tunnel (Tunnel No. 07) between Purunakatak and Charichhak. This marks a major step forward in improving rail connectivity in Odisha and the surrounding region.
The Ministry of Railways has prioritized the completion of key infrastructure projects in Odisha, recognizing their importance to the state’s development. The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line is one of these critical projects, aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth.
Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has been actively monitoring the progress of various railway projects in Odisha, playing a key role in driving the Khurda-Balangir project forward. His leadership has facilitated collaboration among multiple agencies to ensure the timely completion of this long-pending venture.
The breakthrough of the 1,975-meter tunnel in Boudh District was made possible by the ECoR Construction Wing’s skilled engineering team, who completed the final detonation, marking the success of this challenging task. This milestone highlights the technical expertise and dedication of the team involved.
Out of the total 301 kilometers planned for the Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line, 183 kilometers have already been commissioned. The project is progressing from both ends—Khurda Road and Balangir—with 106 kilometers completed from Khurda Road to Daspalla, and 77 kilometers commissioned from Balangir to Jharmunda. The 16.27-kilometer stretch from Jharmunda to Boudh is also finished, while the segment from Boudh to Purunakatak (approximately 27 kilometers) is expected to be completed in the coming months.
Despite challenges such as land acquisition, forest clearances, utility relocations, and navigating complex geological terrains, significant progress has been made on the project.
Once completed, the Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line will reduce the distance between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, and serve as a catalyst for the socio-economic development of the region.