Stage II forest clearance secured for Odisha's transformative rail project

Bhubaneswar, Jan 23: The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line project in Odisha has made remarkable progress, highlighted by the recent Stage II Forest Clearance approval for the Daspalla-Adhenigarh section. This crucial clearance allows the project to proceed with minimal environmental disruption.

Of the total 301-kilometer rail line, 226 kilometers have already been completed, including 106 kilometers from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 120 kilometers from Balangir to Purunakatak. The remaining 75 kilometers between Purunakatak and Daspalla are currently under construction.

The project required the acquisition of 3,274.336 hectares of land, including 746.42 hectares of forest land. A significant environmental challenge arose in obtaining forest clearance for the 594.618 hectares of dense forest between Daspalla and Purunakatak.

However, strategic planning ensured minimal ecological impact, avoiding key wildlife sanctuaries. In collaboration with the Forest Department, the team devised a comprehensive wildlife conservation plan, which received approval from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Odisha. The plan incorporates measures like animal underpasses, overpasses, and waterway bridges to ensure seamless wildlife movement. Engineering solutions such as viaducts and tunnels were meticulously designed to reduce deforestation and preserve forest cover.

The rail line's construction involves overcoming significant engineering challenges, particularly in the 75-kilometer stretch with seven tunnels totaling 12.76 kilometers. Tunnel No. 4, the longest at 4.885 kilometers, features a 700-meter escape tunnel for safety. Five of the seven tunnels, including curved alignments, have already seen breakthroughs, demonstrating substantial progress despite complex geological conditions. Construction is being expedited by working simultaneously from both ends of the tunnels to meet tight deadlines.

To further mitigate environmental impact, the project incorporates viaducts, wildlife passages, and tunnels. A total of four viaducts spanning 6.94 kilometers have been planned, with two located between Buguda and Banigochha (4.8 km and 0.29 km) and two between Charichhak and Adhenigarh (1.3 km and 0.55 km). These features are designed to protect local wildlife and maintain ecological balance while minimizing forest land acquisition.

The Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line is poised to significantly enhance connectivity between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, reducing travel time and benefiting both passengers and freight. By improving access to markets, industries, education, and healthcare, the project is expected to stimulate economic growth, attract investments, and generate employment opportunities. This transformative infrastructure initiative is set to position Odisha as a key economic hub in Eastern India.