The East Coast Railway has achieved a major construction milestone in Odisha with the breakthrough of Tunnel No. 41-41A under the Kottavalasa–Koraput railway line doubling project.
The breakthrough was achieved between Borra Guhalu and Karakavalasa stations in the Rayagada Division, with the tunnel reportedly completed with 100 per cent alignment accuracy.
The 829-metre-long tunnel has been constructed in a horseshoe shape and features a curve of up to 8 degrees, reflecting the engineering challenges involved in constructing railway infrastructure through the difficult terrain of the region.
According to East Coast Railway, the successful breakthrough demonstrates the precision and engineering expertise involved in executing major railway projects in challenging geological conditions.
The tunnel breakthrough is considered another important step towards the completion of the Kottavalasa–Koraput railway doubling project, which is aimed at increasing capacity and improving train operations along the corridor.
The wider project covers around 189 kilometres and involves an estimated investment of Rs 3,580 crore. The project is expected to benefit Koraput district in Odisha and Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts in Andhra Pradesh.
The doubling project has been taken up primarily to cater to the growing demand for goods transportation and passenger movement along the route.
Once completed, the additional railway line is expected to increase line capacity, improve operational efficiency and enable smoother movement of passenger and freight trains.
The latest tunnel breakthrough therefore marks a significant construction milestone in strengthening railway infrastructure and connectivity along the Kottavalasa–Koraput corridor.
