Bhubaneswar: East Coast Railway (ECoR) has completed the installation of comprehensive, state-of-the-art safety and emergency management systems in Tunnel No. 7 of the Khurda Road–Balangir Rail Line Project, marking a significant milestone in the execution of this key infrastructure initiative in Odisha.
Tunnel–7, measuring 1,975 metres, is located between Purunakatak and Charichhak in Boudh district. The tunnel recently achieved a major breakthrough during construction. Following this achievement, railway authorities focused on equipping the tunnel with modern safety infrastructure in accordance with prescribed railway safety standards.
Officials said the project has been executed with meticulous planning and strict adherence to engineering and safety norms. Special emphasis has been placed on structural stability, fire safety preparedness, ventilation efficiency, electrical reliability, and robust emergency response mechanisms to ensure maximum safety for passengers and train operations.
The tunnel has been fitted with advanced Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems as per approved technical specifications. These systems are currently undergoing testing and commissioning to ensure operational readiness before the section is opened for traffic.
Key safety features installed in Tunnel–7 include:
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High-capacity ventilation system: Equipped with jet fans to maintain air quality and control smoke movement during emergencies, ensuring visibility and safe evacuation.
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Comprehensive fire-fighting arrangements: Hydrant lines, hose reels and strategically placed fire extinguishers have been installed to enable swift response in case of fire.
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Tunnel and emergency lighting system: The tunnel is provided with a modern lighting system along with automatic emergency lighting and power backup. Illuminated exit and directional signage have also been installed.
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Public Address (PA) and CCTV systems: These systems facilitate real-time communication and continuous monitoring of tunnel conditions for early detection of abnormalities.
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SOS emergency calling system: This allows passengers to directly contact the control room from within the tunnel, especially in areas with limited mobile connectivity.
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Linear Heat Detection System (LHDS): Installed for continuous temperature monitoring and early fire detection with precise location identification.
In addition, Indian Railways has adopted advanced ballastless (slab) track technology inside the tunnel. Unlike conventional ballasted tracks, slab tracks consist of rails directly fastened to a reinforced concrete base, offering superior alignment, reduced maintenance requirements and enhanced durability. The compact design is particularly suitable for tunnel sections, where space constraints make maintenance difficult. The system also supports high-speed operations and heavy axle loads.
All installations have been thoroughly inspected for proper alignment and functionality. Commissioning will be carried out in phases, with any observations addressed promptly.
The Khurda Road–Balangir Rail Line Project is considered one of the most significant connectivity projects in Odisha. The completion of Tunnel–7 represents a crucial step in bridging the long-standing connectivity gap between coastal Odisha and the western and central regions of the state.
Once operational, the rail line is expected to provide faster, safer and more efficient connectivity, boost passenger movement, facilitate transportation of essential commodities and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of remote districts.
Senior officials stated that regular monitoring at the highest level has ensured systematic progress while maintaining strict safety standards. The completion of Tunnel–7 with advanced safety systems underscores East Coast Railway’s commitment to delivering resilient and future-ready infrastructure to strengthen regional integration across Odisha.
