Bhubaneswar: Achieving another milestone in the ambitious Khurda Road-Bolangir rail line project, the Railway Authority has conducted engine rolling and testing between newly laid train line between Jharmunda and Boudh stations over a distance of 16.270 km.
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) conducted the engine rolling on 6 November.
This achievement marks a critical milestone in the construction of the highly anticipated railway line that is poised to significantly improve connectivity in remote regions of Odisha, officials said.
Apart from this, construction work between Boudh-Champapur Rail Section, a distance of 13.701 km and Champapur-Purunakatak, a distance of 13.437 kms is also going on full swing, demonstrating steady progress in the overall project.
To ensure faster completion, construction efforts are being undertaken from both ends simultaneously, highlighting the commitment to meet the ambitious deadlines for this vital infrastructure initiative.
The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line is an extensive project spanning 301 kilometers, and to date, 199 kilometers have been commissioned, including 106 kilometers from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 93 kilometers from Balangir to Boudh. Another 27 kms from Boudh to Purunakatak is being developed in full swing and is about to complete soon.
The remaining 75 kilometers from Purunakatak to Daspalla, which passes through challenging jungle and sanctuary areas involving tunnel construction, is progressing and will be completed in due course.
This railway project holds great significance for enhancing transportation and economic development in remote areas, with the Ministry of Railways closely monitoring the project’s advancement to ensure timely commissioning. Despite facing formidable engineering challenges, particularly in tunnel construction through rugged terrain, the project continues to achieve major milestones.
The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line is not only crucial for improving connectivity but also stands as a testament to Indian Railways’ ability to overcome some of the most complex engineering challenges ever encountered in railway construction, the officials said.
Successful completion of the tunnels will be a major breakthrough, underscoring Indian Railways’ commitment to delivering critical infrastructure in even the most remote regions of the country.
After successful inspection of safety aspects of the newly laid Jharmunda & Boudh Railway section, this line has been authorized by the Commissioner of Railway Safety for running of train traffic.
However, train services will have commenced in this section after completion of other infrastructural and passenger amenities work. A light engine trial run has already been conducted.
The remarkable progress on the Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line brings the region one step closer to enhanced connectivity and new avenues for economic growth, they said.