Bhubaneswar: The ambitious Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line project has made significant strides after securing the crucial Stage II Forest Clearance for the section between Daspalla and Adhenigarh.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has given Stage-II clearance recently while Stage-I clearance for forest land was given in Feb 2023.
This approval allows the project to move forward with minimal environmental impact, officials said.
As of now, 226 km of the total 301 km rail line have been completed, including 106 km from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 120 km from Balangir to Purunakatak. Work is ongoing for the remaining 75 km between Purunakatak and Daspalla.
The project required the acquisition of 3,274.336 hectares of land, including 746.42 hectares of forest land. The most significant environmental challenge was the forest clearance between Daspalla and Purunakatak (Km 112-180), which involved 594.618 hectares of dense forest. However, careful planning was done to avoid key wildlife sanctuaries and to minimize the impact on the surrounding ecosystem, the officials said.
In consultation with the Forest Department, the project team developed a comprehensive wildlife conservation plan, which was approved by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). Provisions like animal passages (both over and under the rail line) and bridges for waterway and wildlife movement were incorporated to minimize disruptions. All engineering solutions, including viaducts and tunnels, were designed to reduce tree felling and protect the forest cover.
The project remains on track, with key engineering breakthroughs already achieved. So far, 226 km of the rail line are complete. The remaining work is expected to finish in the coming months, ensuring the timely completion of this transformative infrastructure project.
The rail line includes seven tunnels over a 75-km stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak, totaling 12.76 km. These tunnels represent some of the most challenging engineering feats in railway construction.
Notably, Tunnel No. 4, spanning 4.885 km between Buguda and Banigochha, is the longest in the project and includes a 700-meter escape tunnel for safety. Other key breakthroughs in Tunnel No. 1 and Tunnel No. 3 highlight the progress made in overcoming difficult geological conditions, varying soil densities, and rock formations.
Altogether, breakthrough has already been done in 5 Tunnels out of 7 Tunnels of the project. The tunnels, with five of them being curved, require precise alignment and strong structural integrity.
To speed up the work, construction is happening from both ends of the tunnels, a strategy that helps meet tight timelines.
The project passes through ecologically sensitive areas, including wildlife sanctuaries. As part of the mitigation efforts, viaducts, animal underpasses, and overpasses have been incorporated into the design.
Additionally, seven tunnels and a 4.8-km viaduct have been planned to minimize forest land acquisition and reduce environmental impact. There are four viaducts in total (6.94 km), with two between Buguda and Banigochha (4.8 km and 0.29 km), and two between Charichhak and Adhenigarh (1.3 km and 0.55 km). These measures are aimed at protecting the local wildlife and preserving their natural habitats.
The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line will significantly reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, benefiting both passengers and freight. The rail line will improve access to markets, industries, education, and healthcare, fostering economic growth across the region.
It is expected to drive industrial growth, attract investment, and create new jobs, helping Odisha become a key economic hub in Eastern India, the official further said.
They said the project is also expected to increase trade, improve regional connectivity, and stimulate industrial growth by easing the movement of goods and people.
The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line aligns with the Indian government’s vision of improving national rail connectivity and will bring long-term benefits to Odisha and the entire eastern region of India.