Khordha-Balangir Rail Project inches towards completion in Odisha

After more than three decades of anticipation, the much-awaited Khordha-Balangir railway project is approaching completion and is expected to become operational within this year. The project has gained fresh momentum after receiving focused attention in the Union Budget, raising hopes of its long-delayed completion, sources said on Tuesday.

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At present, train services are running from Khordha Road up to Daspalla in Nayagarh district and from Balangir up to Purunakatak in Boudh district. Out of the total 301-kilometre rail corridor, only a 75-kilometre stretch remains incomplete. This section, passing through hilly and forested terrain, has been the most challenging part of the project.

The remaining stretch includes seven large tunnels and four major viaducts, making the construction technically demanding. All tunnels have achieved breakthrough, and work is now progressing at full pace on track laying, drainage, lighting and some other allied infrastructure. The longest tunnel, located at Adenigarh in Boudh district, measures over 4.18 kilometres.

Railway authorities have set a deadline to complete the remaining work by the end of this year and are working on a war footing to meet the target. Once operational, the Khordha-Balangir rail line will connect coastal Odisha with western regions, significantly improving connectivity.

The project is expected to play a key role in the State’s economic development and will also benefit people in neighbouring districts such as Kandhamal and Angul, marking a major milestone in Odisha’s railway infrastructure.

“In a sense, the entire project is a challenging one. However, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) team, with complete dedication and attention, is working on the project day and night, so that we will be able to complete it at the earliest,” the ECoR General Manager, Parmeshwar Funkwal, had recently said while speaking to mediapersons.