Tunnel Breakthrough Marks Major Milestone in Kottavalasa-Koraput Doubling Project

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 3 (UDN): The Kottavalasa-Koraput Doubling Project has reached a key construction milestone with the successful breakthrough of Tunnel No. 41-41A between Borra Guhalu and Karakavalasa stations under the Rayagada Division of East Coast Railway.

The breakthrough was achieved on October 1 with 100 per cent alignment accuracy, marking another significant step towards strengthening railway connectivity along the challenging Kottavalasa-Koraput route.

829-Metre Tunnel Over Curved Alignment

Tunnel No. 41-41A stretches 829 metres and has been constructed in a horseshoe-shaped configuration. The tunnel alignment passes through a section featuring a curve of up to 8 degrees, adding to the engineering challenges involved in its construction.

The breakthrough was completed in the Borra Guhalu-Karakavalasa block section, reflecting the precision required for executing railway infrastructure projects in the region’s difficult terrain.

Boost to Rail Capacity

The successful completion of the tunnel breakthrough is expected to facilitate further progress on the Kottavalasa-Koraput doubling works.

Once the doubling project is completed, the additional railway line is expected to increase route capacity, improve operational efficiency and enable smoother movement of both passenger and freight trains.

The latest achievement underscores the steady progress being made on the project and represents another step towards upgrading rail infrastructure along the strategically important Kottavalasa-Koraput corridor.