Bhubaneswar: The Khurda Road – Bolangir new rail line project has achieved a major milestone with the successful breakthrough of Tunnel No T3, located between Buguda and Banigochha in Nayagarh district. This tunnel, with a length of 2,620 meters and a 2-degree curve, has now completed the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) excavation. The breakthrough, or “daylighting,” was successfully achieved on January 13, marking an important achievement in the construction of this crucial public centric rail line project.
As per a communiqué issued by East Coast Railway (ECoR), tunnel No T3 is the longest tunnel in Nayagarh district and the second longest in the entire Khurda Road-Bolangir 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. 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.
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.
Key Tunnel Facts:
- Seven tunnels 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.
- 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.
