Rail tunnel in Odisha’s Koraput gets advanced ballastless tracks

A new chapter is going to be written in the railway history of Koraput. In good news for the rail passengers, they will no more have to bear the high noise of the train while passing through the 600-meter tunnel between Baiguda and Kakirigumma stations of Koraput-Singapur Road. 

As per reports, East Coast Railway is adopting advanced ballastless track technology in the tunnel. This strategic move is set to revolutionize the safety, efficiency and sustainability of rail transport, particularly in challenging tunnel environments.

As a result, passengers will get a special experience during their rail journey. 

East Coast Railways is adopting advanced Japanese ballastless track technology for the first time. As per reports, 600 meters tunnel between Baiguda and Kakirigumma Stations of Koraput-Singapur is in the last phase and about to be completed soon.

“We are adopting ballastless track through tunnels to reduce the maintenance and noise level,” said engineer Sunil Kumar Biswal. 

“As the noise level through the tunnel will be reduced considerably due to the advanced technology, the journey through the tunnel will be more amazing. It will attract more tourists to the area,” said Minati Kumar Swain, a resident of Koraput.

What is a ballastless rail track?

As per railway sources, ballastless tracks, particularly in tunnels, offer several significant advantages. These are enhanced durability and longevity; increased stability and safety; reduced maintenance cost; improved ride comfort and noise reduction; efficient space utilization, environment friendly; improved drainage and water management and quicker installation and commissioning.

“Ballastless train track is a new technology. There will be less noise in the train and the movement of the track will be reduced due to the technology,” said Sourabh Prasad, DRM of Waltair Railway Division.

“Tunnels witness severe vibration when trains pass through those. Landslides often occur due to this. The advanced technology will provide a balanced track causing less noise and vibration,” said social worker T Kiran Kumar.

There are 36 tunnels in the 445 km stretch of Koraput-Singapur Road track-doubling project which is being constructed with an estimate of more than Rs 5,400 crore.