Odisha's largest railway tunnel opens, boosts Khordha-Bolangir rail project

A significant leap in Odisha’s railway infrastructure was achieved with its largest railway tunnel situated on the Khordha-Bolangir line opened on Wednesday. The tunnel, named Tunnel No.-4 (T4), extends over a remarkable 4.18 kilometres. This development is instrumental for enhancing rail connectivity across the region.

Also Read: Khordha-Bolangir Rail project achieves key success with T3 tunnel breakthrough

Strategically located in the Boudh district, tunnel T4 is the final segment of a quartet of tunnels on this line. The previous three tunnels had tracks laid successfully, and today marks the completion of tracks in the largest section without disruptions.

The undertaking has been commendably executed, as the work concluded without any reported mishaps. The focus now shifts to the completion of concrete works and the installation of additional tracks, bringing the entire setup closer to full operational capability.

ECoR General Manager lauds the team

“It is a historic moment. Because this is not only Odisha’s longest tunnel but also the longest tunnel of East Coast Railway (ECoR). I am immensely happy that I witnessed the historic moment,” the ECoR General Manager, Parmeshwar Funkwal, said.

“This is a result of the relentless efforts of our entire team. It is an achievement of them all. This is a milestone for the Khordha-Bolangir railway line. We are reaching closer to completion of our tunnel excavation work,” the ECoR General Manager expressed.

On January 13 this year, the Khordha-Bolangir rail project achieved another milestone with the successful breakthrough of tunnel number T3, located between Buguda and Banigochha in Odisha’s Nayagarh district.

Must Read: Boudh promises breathtaking train journey as four tunnels near completion

The tunnel T3, with a length of 2,620 meters and a 2-degree curve, had completed the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) excavation.

The breakthrough, or ‘daylighting’, was successfully achieved, marking an important achievement in the construction of this crucial public-centric Rail Line Project.

Reported By: Deepak Adar