Bhubaneswar: In a major step toward improving railway safety and supporting higher train speeds, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has embarked on an extensive safety fencing project across its jurisdiction. The initiative aims to bolster safety measures, reduce unauthorized access, and protect wildlife, while enhancing the operational efficiency of the rail network.
A total of 2,792 kilometers of safety fencing is being implemented at an estimated cost of ₹865 Crores. These fencing projects are designed to enhance safe train operations, prevent trespassing, and restrict the movement of cattle and wild animals near the tracks. The ECoR initiative reflects the commitment to provide a secure, reliable, and efficient railway system.
Additionally, ₹207 Crores is being allocated for track safety fencing works in specific areas, including the Titilagarh & Lakholi and Balangir-Theruvali-Singapur Road rail sections.
The safety fencing projects are divided into different railway divisions:
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Khurda Road Division: ₹388.85 Crores have been sanctioned for safety fencing works over 1,025.3 kilometers. This includes 797.3 kilometers along the Bhadrak-Palasa and Khurda Road-Puri rail line sections and 228 kilometers along the Nergundi-Kerajang rail sections. Future phases include fencing proposals for the Jakhapura-Kendujhargarh-Nayagarh Railway section and other sensitive areas within the division.
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Sambalpur Division: ₹288.04 Crores have been sanctioned for 468.23 kilometers of track safety fencing. This includes 124.15 kilometers in the Sarla Road-Balangir rail line and 344.08 kilometers in the Jharsuguda Road-Sambalpur City-Kerajanga rail section. Additional fencing of 188.89 kilometers in the Balangir-Theruvali-Singapur Road section and 172.78 kilometers between Titilagarh & Lakholi is under sanction and proposal, respectively.
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Waltair Division: ₹187.19 Crores have been allocated for fencing works across a 600-kilometer stretch of rail line in the Palasa-Visakhapatnam-Duvvada and Vizianagaram-Singapur Road rail sections.
The safety fencing initiative will see the installation of advanced Fixed Knot Fencing and Double W Metal Beam Crash Barriers. These installations will improve train operations, enabling speeds of up to 130 km/h and beyond in several sections. The fences are expected to reduce unauthorized trespassing and prevent cattle and wildlife from entering the tracks, minimizing accidents and disruptions.
Additionally, safety fencing will address issues at level crossings, Road Over Bridges (ROBs), Rail Under Bridges (RUBs), and bridges, allowing smooth and secure train movements.
Work has already started on two pilot sections near Bhubaneswar and Palasa railway stations, as well as on the Brahmapur-Golanthara rail section and in other sensitive areas across Sambalpur Division. To date, 30 kilometers of fencing have been completed. The Ministry aims to construct boundary walls closer to the tracks while allowing easy access for future maintenance and expansion, with special focus on areas where cattle are frequently crossing the track.
This initiative is a significant milestone in ECoR’s ongoing efforts to improve railway infrastructure. With these fencing projects, the Ministry of Railways is ensuring enhanced safety and security on railway tracks across the region, while also facilitating higher-speed train operations to meet the growing demands of modern train travel in India.
