Bhubaneswar: The Khurda Road-Balangir New Rail Line Project has achieved a major milestone with the successful breakthrough of Tunnel No T3, located between Buguda and Banigochha in Odisha’s Nayagarh district, the East Cost Railway (ECoR) informed on Tuesday.
“This 2,620-meter-long tunnel, with a 2-degree curve, has now completed the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) excavation. The breakthrough, or “daylighting,” was successfully achieved on January 13, marking an important achievement in the construction of this crucial public centric Rail Line Project,” it said.
Tunnel No T3 is the longest tunnel in Nayagarh district and the second longest in the entire Khurda Road-Balangir ongoing rail line project. The tunnel’s excavation employed state-of-the-art technologies and machines, designed to navigate the challenging and rugged terrain of the Eastern Ghats. “This landmark achievement will play a pivotal role in connecting the eastern and western parts of Odisha, boosting the region’s transportation and economic potential,” it added.
Tackling Major Challenges in Tunnel Construction
The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line Project, which spans 301 km, presents numerous engineering and logistical challenges, particularly in the construction of tunnels. The project includes seven tunnels within a 75-km stretch, all located between Daspalla and Purunakatak. The construction of these tunnels—particularly through the difficult terrain of the Eastern Ghats—has been one of the most complex aspects of the project.
Among these tunnels, Tunnel No 7, part of the longest at 4.885 km, has already been successfully completed, with other breakthroughs in Tunnel No 1, Tunnel No 3, and more. The tunnels are being constructed using the latest techniques to manage complex geological conditions, including varying soil densities and rock formations.
Key Tunnel Facts
• Seven tunnels under construction, with a total length of 12.76 km.
• Tunnel No T3, located between Buguda and Banigochha, is 2,620 metres long with a 2-degree curve.
• The longest tunnel spans 4.885 kilometers, located near Adhenigarh, including a 700-metre escape tunnel for safety.
• Breakthroughs have been completed successfully in four of the seven tunnels to date.
Overcoming Engineering, Geological and Environmental Challenges
The construction of tunnels through the rugged terrain of Odisha has been fraught with challenges, such as:
• Geological Complexity: Varying soil densities and rock formations have demanded the use of advanced tunneling techniques to ensure tunnel stability and safety.
• Environmental Sensitivity: Some tunnels pass through wildlife sanctuaries, requiring measures to minimize ecological impacts.
• Curved Tunnels: Five of the seven tunnels are curved, requiring high engineering precision.
• Simultaneous Excavation: Tunneling operations are being carried out from both ends to expedite completion.
Despite these obstacles, the project continues to make rapid progress, with tunnel breakthroughs serving as key milestones. This marks a significant step toward meeting the project’s completion targets, the ECoR said.
Strategic Approach for Timely Completion
The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line Project, crucial for improving regional connectivity, has already seen significant portions completed. A total of 215 km of the rail line have been completed, including 105.8 km from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 109 km from Balangir to Purunakatak. The remaining sections, including the stretch from Purunakatak to Adhenigarh, are progressing and are expected to be completed in the coming months.
Once completed, this rail line will drastically reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region by improving access to education, healthcare and markets, it said.
“The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line Project is a critical infrastructure initiative by Indian Railways aimed at improving connectivity in Odisha. Once completed, the rail line will boost economic development, enhance trade, and significantly reduce travel time, benefiting both passengers and freight movement,” it added.
