Bhubaneswar: In a significant advancement for the Khurda Road-Balangir New Rail Line Project, Indian Railways has completed the breakthrough of a 2.6-kilometer tunnel between Buguda and Banigochha in Nayagarh district, Odisha.
This critical development, announced by the East Coast Railway, marks a major engineering feat that will enhance connectivity between the eastern and western parts of the state. The tunnel, known as Tunnel T3, is the longest in Nayagarh and the second-longest on the entire rail line.
Advanced Tunneling Methods Enable Success in Rugged Terrain
Excavation of Tunnel T3 was achieved using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), a sophisticated technique that leverages advanced machinery and cutting-edge technology to navigate challenging geological conditions. Featuring a precise 2-degree curve, the tunnel presented significant technical challenges due to the rugged Eastern Ghats terrain. The completion of this tunnel is expected to greatly enhance transportation infrastructure, reducing travel times and bolstering the region’s economic potential.
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. pic.twitter.com/B6bU2Xfmdg
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 13, 2025
Railway Minister Lauds Engineering Achievement
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the accomplishment, highlighting its importance in overcoming engineering challenges. “The breakthrough of the 2.6 km-long Tunnel T3 between Buguda and Banigochha on the Khurda-Balangir rail line is a testament to the remarkable progress of this crucial project,” he stated, commending the dedication of the teams involved in executing this complex task.
Project Overview and Future Developments
The Khurda Road-Balangir rail line spans 301 kilometers, with seven tunnels located in a 75-kilometer stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak. Tunnel T7, the project’s longest at 4.85 kilometers, has already been completed. So far, 215 kilometers of the rail line are operational, with 105.8 kilometers between Khurda Road and Daspalla and 109 kilometers between Balangir and Purunakatak. Construction on the final section from Purunakatak to Adhenigarh is underway and expected to be completed soon.
Once fully operational, the rail line will significantly enhance connectivity between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, slashing travel times and providing a critical boost to trade, travel, and economic activities in Odisha. The successful completion of Tunnel T3 represents a major step forward in realizing this transformative project.