The Khurda Road-Balangir New Rail Line Project in Odisha, India has marked progress with the breakthrough of Tunnel T3 between Buguda and Banigochha in Nayagarh district.
The 2.6km-long tunnel was excavated using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), which employs advanced excavation techniques, as confirmed by the East Coast Railway.
The breakthrough is a key development in the project and represents the second-longest tunnel in the 301km rail line and the longest in Nayagarh district.
The tunnel features a 2-degree curve and is expected to facilitate better connectivity between the eastern and western regions of Odisha.
Commented on the milestone, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said: “The breakthrough in the 2.6 km-long Tunnel T3 between Buguda and Banigochha stations on the Khurda-Balangir section in Odisha is a testimony to the progress of this vital project.”
The rail project involves seven tunnels within a 75km stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak, including the already completed T7, which measures 4.85km.
The Eastern Ghats have posed challenges during the construction phase, but modern excavation methods have supported ongoing work.
To date, 215km of the rail line have been completed, covering 105.8km from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 109km from Balangir to Purunakatak.
Construction is underway on the remaining sections, including the stretch between Purunakatak and Adhenigarh, which is expected to conclude soon.
When finished, the Khurda Road-Balangir rail line is projected to streamline travel between Bhubaneswar and Balangir and improve overall transportation in the area.
Earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg tunnel, also known as the Z-Morh tunnel, aimed at enhancing connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir.
The tunnel includes a 6.4km main passage, along with an egress tunnel and approach roads, forming part of a two-lane bi-directional road in Ganderbal district.
Situated at an altitude of approximately 8,650ft, the Sonamarg tunnel facilitates all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, extending to Leh.
