Bhubaneswar, February 15: In a major achievement, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has completed the installation of comprehensive, state-of-the-art safety and emergency management systems in Tunnel No. 07 of the Khurda Road–Balangir Rail Line Project.
The Tunnel–7, measuring 1,975 metres and located between Purunakatak and Charichhak in Boudh district, recently achieved a major construction milestone with the successful tunnel breakthrough, reinforcing its commitment to safe, reliable and passenger centric railway operations.
Following this, extensive focus has been placed on equipping the tunnel with modern safety infrastructure in line with prescribed railway safety standards.
This critical infrastructure component has been executed with meticulous planning, engineering precision and strict adherence to safety norms. Special emphasis was laid on structural stability, fire safety preparedness, ventilation efficiency, electrical reliability and emergency response mechanisms to ensure maximum safety for passengers and train operations.
The tunnel has been provided with advanced Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems, all installed as per approved designs and technical specifications. These systems are currently undergoing Testing & Commissioning to ensure full operational readiness.
Key Safety and Advanced Features Installed in Tunnel–7 include:
* High Capacity Ventilation System: High capacity ventilation system with jet fans to maintain air quality and effectively control smoke movement during emergencies, ensuring clear visibility and safer evacuation.
* Comprehensive Fire Fighting Arrangements: Comprehensive firefighting arrangements, including hydrant lines, hose reels and strategically placed fire extinguishers, enabling rapid fire suppression and quick response by railway staff and emergency services.
* Tunnel Lighting And Automatic Emergency Lighting System: Tunnel lighting and automatic emergency lighting system with power backup, supported by illuminated exit and directional signage to guide passengers safely during power failures or emergencies.
* Public Address (PA) And CCTV Surveillance Systems: Public Address (PA) and CCTV surveillance systems to facilitate real time communication with passengers and continuous monitoring of tunnel conditions for early detection of any abnormal situation.
* SOS Emergency Calling System: SOS emergency calling system allowing passengers to directly contact the control room from within the tunnel, particularly in areas with limited mobile connectivity.
Linear Heat Detection System (Lhds): Linear Heat Detection System (LHDS) for continuous temperature monitoring, enabling early fire detection and precise identification of the affected location for swift response.
*Advanced Ballastless (Slab) Track: Indian Railways has adopted advanced ballastless (slab) track technology in tunnel sections to enhance safety, stability and long term performance. Unlike conventional ballasted tracks, the slab track system consists of rails directly fastened to a reinforced concrete base, ensuring superior alignment, reduced maintenance requirements and longer service life.
Its compact design is particularly suitable for tunnels where space constraints and limited accessibility make maintenance challenging. The use of ballastless track not only improves riding comfort and operational reliability but also supports high speed operations and heavy axle loads, marking a significant step towards modernization of railway infrastructure.
All installed systems have been thoroughly checked for proper installation and alignment. Functional testing is in progress and commissioning will be completed in a phased manner, with any observations being addressed promptly.
The provision of these advanced safety systems ensures that Tunnel–7 is being developed as a safe, resilient and technologically equipped infrastructure asset. The Khurda Road–Balangir Rail Line Project is one of the most significant connectivity initiatives in Odisha.
The completion of Tunnel–7 marks a major milestone in bridging the longstanding connectivity gap between coastal Odisha and the western and central regions of the State.
Once operational, the project will provide faster, safer and more efficient rail connectivity, facilitating seamless passenger movement and transportation of essential commodities. It is expected to significantly contribute to socio economic development, improve accessibility to remote districts and strengthen regional integration.
Regular monitoring and review at the highest level have ensured that the work progressed in a systematic and mission mode approach while adhering strictly to prescribed safety standards. The completion of Tunnel–7 with such comprehensive safety features reflects East Coast Railway’s commitment to deliver resilient future ready infrastructure that will significantly enhance connectivity between Western, Central and Coastal Odisha and accelerate balanced regional development.
