Tunnel T3 Breakthrough Boosts Odisha Connectivity

Breakthrough Achieved in Tunnel T3 of Khurda Road-Bolangir Rail Line Project
Bhubaneswar, Jan 14 : The Khurda Road-Bolangir New Rail Line Project marked a significant milestone with the successful breakthrough of Tunnel No. T3, located between Buguda and Banigochha in Nayagarh district. This achievement was accomplished on January 13 and represents a critical step in the ongoing development of this transformative rail project.
Tunnel T3, with a length of 2,620 meters and a 2-degree curve, is the longest tunnel in Nayagarh district and the second longest in the entire 301-kilometer Khurda Road-Bolangir Rail Line. Constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), this tunnel’s excavation involved advanced technologies to overcome the challenging terrain of the Eastern Ghats.
According to the East Coast Railway (ECoR), the breakthrough of T3, also referred to as “daylighting,” is a crucial achievement, enhancing connectivity between Odisha’s eastern and western regions. This development is expected to boost the transportation network and drive the economic growth of the area.
Complex Engineering and Challenges
The Khurda Road-Bolangir Rail Line Project spans a challenging 75-kilometer stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak, featuring seven tunnels with a total length of 12.76 kilometers. Among these, Tunnel No. 7 is the longest, measuring 4.885 kilometers, and includes a 700-meter escape tunnel for safety.
The project has already completed breakthroughs in four of the seven tunnels, showcasing the use of cutting-edge construction techniques to navigate complex geological conditions, including variable soil densities and rugged rock formations.
Progress and Future Outlook
To date, 215 kilometers of the rail line have been completed—105.8 kilometers from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 109 kilometers from Balangir to Purunakatak. The remaining sections, including the stretch from Purunakatak to Adhenigarh, are progressing steadily and are anticipated to be completed in the coming months.
Once fully operational, the Khurda Road-Bolangir Rail Line will significantly reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Balangir. It is expected to enhance access to education, healthcare, and markets, while fostering socio-economic development in the region.
This landmark project underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and promoting economic opportunities in Odisha.
