Khurda Road–Balangir Rail Line: Indian Railways Completes Odisha’s Longest Tunnel

Indian Railways has successfully completed the construction of a 4,185-metre-long tunnel—its longest ever in Odisha—on the Khurda Road–Balangir rail line. Known as Tunnel T-4, the structure lies between Adenigarh and Charichhak stations in Boudh district.

“A major milestone in the Khurda Road–Balangir New Rail Line project was achieved on April 16 with the successful breakthrough (daylighting) of Tunnel T-4,” the Railways said in an official statement.

So far, 226 km of the 301 km-long Khurda Road–Balangir line has been commissioned. Operational stretches include Khurda Road to Daspalla on one end, and Balangir to Purnakatak on the other.

The remaining 75 km segment—from Daspalla to Purnakatak—remains under construction. This includes seven tunnels, with T-4 being the longest and most significant. The breakthrough of Tunnel T-4 marks a major step forward for the project, which aims to link Odisha’s coastal belt with its western interior.

Once complete, the line is expected to enhance connectivity, promote regional integration, and spur economic development across the state.