Bhubaneswar: Moving another step forward on the ambitious Khurda Road – Bolangir New Rail Line Project, the Railways has completed Tunnel No T3, located between Buguda and Banigochha in Nayagarh District.
The tunnel, with a length of 2,620 meters and a 2-degree curve, has now completed adopting the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) excavation.
The breakthrough, or “daylighting,” was successfully achieved today marking an important achievement in the construction of this crucial public centric rail line project, officials said.
Taking to social media site X, Railways 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.”
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, the official said.
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, they said.
The Khurda Road – Bolangir Rail Line Project, which spans 301 kilometers, presents numerous engineering and logistical challenges, particularly in the construction of tunnels. The project includes seven tunnels within a 75-kilometer 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 kilometers, 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.
Now, seven tunnels are under construction, with a total length of 12.76 km. Tunnel No T3, located between Buguda and Banigochha, is 2,620 meters long with a 2-degree curve, officials informed.
The longest tunnel spans 4.885 kilometers, located near Adhenigarh, including a 700-meter escape tunnel for safety. Breakthroughs have been completed successfully in four of the seven tunnels to date.
The construction of tunnels through the rugged terrain of Odisha has been fraught with challenges, such as: Geological Complexity, Environmental Sensitivity, some tunnels pass through wildlife sanctuaries, requiring measures to minimize ecological impacts.
The Khurda Road – Bolangir Rail Line Project, crucial for improving regional connectivity, has already seen significant portions completed. A total of 215 kilometers of the rail line have been completed, including 105.8 kilometers from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 109 kilometers 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.
The Khurda Road – Bolangir 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.