Khurda-Balangir Rail Project Hits Milestone With 2.6-Km Tunnel Breakthrough In Odisha

The Khurda Road-Balangir New Rail Line project reached a significant milestone with the successful breakthrough of the 2.6-km-long tunnel (T-3) between Buguda and Banigochha in Odisha's Nayagarh district, according to the East Coast Railway.

This tunnel, featuring a 2-degree curve, was excavated using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) and represents a critical achievement in the project.

The breakthrough, referred to as "daylighting," was completed on 13 January.

T-3 is the longest tunnel in Nayagarh district and the second longest in the entire project, the East Coast Railway stated.

The excavation process utilised advanced technologies and equipment to navigate the challenging terrain of the Eastern Ghats.

The Railway Ministry highlighted the importance of this achievement in enhancing connectivity across Odisha.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “A milestone showcasing engineering excellence in challenging terrains: A breakthrough has been achieved in the 2.6 km-long Tunnel T3 (with a 2-degree curve) between Buguda and Baniguchha stations on the Khurda-Bolangir section in Odisha.”

The 301-km Khurda Road-Balangir rail project includes seven tunnels within a 75-km stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak, with the longest tunnel (T-7) spanning 4.85 km already completed.

Tunnelling through the rugged Eastern Ghats has been one of the most complex aspects of the project.

To date, 215 km of the rail line has been completed—105.8 km between Khurda Road and Daspalla, and 109 km between Balangir and Purunakatak.

The remaining sections, including the stretch from Purunakatak to Adhenigarh, are under construction and expected to be finished in the coming months, an official confirmed.

Once fully operational, the rail line will significantly reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, boosting connectivity and economic growth in the region.

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