| Work Detail |
Odishas long-awaited Khurda Road-Balangir railway project has received stage-II forest clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the track-laying between Daspalla and Adhenigarh. The approval marks a significant step forward for the 301 km project, allowing it to proceed with minimal environmental impact, according to a statement from East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Friday. As of now, 226 km of the track has already been completed, including 106 km from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 120 km from Balangir to Purunakatak. Work is ongoing on the remaining 75 km stretch between Purunakatak and Daspalla. The project required the acquisition of 3,274.336 hectares of land, including 746.42 hectares of forest land. The most challenging aspect was obtaining forest clearance for the stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak, covering 594.618 hectares of dense forest. However, the project team has worked in consultation with the forest department to ensure minimal environmental disruption. To protect the ecosystem, a wildlife conservation plan was developed and approved by Odishas principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife). The plan includes provisions for animal passages (both over and under the tracks), bridges for water and wildlife movement, and engineering solutions like viaducts and tunnels designed to minimize tree cutting and preserve forest cover. The project also features seven tunnels over a 75-km stretch between Daspalla and Purunakatak, totaling 12.76 km, marking major engineering achievements. Once completed, the Khurda Road-Balangir railway will reduce travel time between Bhubaneswar and Balangir, benefiting both passengers and freight. The project is expected to improve access to markets, industries, education, and healthcare, thereby boosting economic growth across the region. It is poised to drive industrial development, attract investments, and create jobs, positioning Odisha as a key economic hub in Eastern India. |
