Railway completes longest tunnel project of Khurda Road-Balangir rail line; key aspects to know

Indian Railways has successfully completed a significant infrastructure feat by finishing the construction of a tunnel measuring 4,185 metres on the Khurda Road–Balangir railway line in Odisha. This particular section, known as Tunnel T-4, stands out as not only the longest tunnel in the Khurda Road–Balangir route but also the longest in the state of Odisha.

A spokesperson for Indian Railways stated, “We reached a significant milestone on 16 April with the successful daylighting of the Tunnel T-4 between Adenigarh and Charichhak stations in Boudh district.”

The Khurda Road–Balangir rail project, which covers a total distance of 301 kilometres, has already made substantial progress, with 226 kilometres completed. Operational railway lines currently run from Khurda Road to Daspalla and from Balangir to Purnakatak. A remaining 75-kilometre stretch, which includes seven tunnels, is yet to be finished.

With the breakthrough of Tunnel T-4, there is renewed determination to accelerate ongoing construction efforts, which aim to seamlessly connect Odisha's coastal and western regions. Officials have highlighted the crucial role this connection will play in fostering regional integration and advancing the state's economic growth.