Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Project: Overcoming Major Challenges Of Tunnel Construction

Bhubaneswar: The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line Project, a significant infrastructure initiative under Indian Railways, is progressing with remarkable speed despite facing significant challenges, especially in construction of tunnels in rugged terrain.

These tunnels presented some of the most daunting engineering challenges ever encountered in railway construction.

The project, spanning 301 kilometres, is crucial as it will enhance connectivity in remote regions.

Tunnel Construction: Heart Of Project’s Challenges

Under constant scrutiny from Ministry of Railways to ensure timely completion, the project traverses through the rugged and forested terrains between Daspalla and Purunakatak.

In this 75 km stretch, 7 tunnels (total of 12.76 km) are being constructed, which is the most complex and technically demanding aspect of the entire project.

These tunnels are not just about creating passages through mountains, extraordinary obstacles posed by nature and geography have also got to be overcome.

A breakthrough 1.795 km long tunnel (No. 7) was done on August 20, while on August 21, another breakthrough of tunnel No. 1 was conducted successfully.

Key Tunnel Sections

* Seven tunnels are under construction, all located between Daspalla and Purunakatak.

* Four major tunnels are in Boudh district, between Adhenigarh and Purunakatak, including the project’s longest tunnel – spanning 4.185 kilometres and featuring a 700-metre escape tunnel for safety.

* Three tunnels in Nayagarh district, 2 of them located between Daspalla and Buguda.

* Tunnel breakthrough successfully completed in 4 tunnels, marking major progress.

Major Challenges In Tunnel Construction

1. Complex Geological Conditions

The geological complexity of the region, with varying soil densities and rock formations, has posed significant difficulties in ensuring tunnel stability and safety. Advanced tunnelling techniques have been employed to manage these diverse conditions, requiring meticulous planning and execution.

2. Environmental Sensitivity & Conservation Efforts

The tunnels pass through environmentally sensitive areas, including wildlife sanctuaries. The project team has had to balance engineering needs with ecological conservation, constructing viaducts and adopting measures to minimize the impact on local wildlife and their habitats.

3. Engineering Precision In Curved Tunnels

Of the 7 tunnels, 5 are with curves ranging from 2.5 to 3 degrees. This demands an exceptional level of precision in engineering, as curved tunnels present unique challenges in terms of alignment and structural integrity.

4. Simultaneous Construction From Both Ends

To expedite the project, tunnel construction is being conducted from both ends simultaneously. This requires meticulous coordination and resource management. Despite the challenges, the project has achieved significant milestones, with tunnel breakthroughs completed in 4 of the 7 tunnels.

5. Strategic Construction Approach

To accelerate progress and timely completion, construction of the tunnels is being carried out simultaneously from both ends. This dual-front approach is crucial for meeting the ambitious timelines set for the project.

Of the 301-km long Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line project, 199 kilometres have been completed, including 105.8 km from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 93 km from Balangir to Boudh. The remaining segment from Boudh to Purunakatak should be completed within the next few months.