BHUBANESWAR (Metro Rail News): The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced that the second-longest railway viaduct, currently under construction between the Buguda and Banigochha stations as part of the Khurda Road-Balangir new line project, is projected to be completed by August 2026. This viaduct spans 4.77 km, with its tallest pier reaching a height of 26 metres.
This viaduct is part of efforts to improve rail connectivity across the interior regions of Odisha. The contract for this section of the project was awarded to Rahee Group, which is executing the work at a cost of ₹268.92 crore. The scope of work includes the construction of viaducts, major bridges, road overbridges (ROBs), and associated works over a 20 km stretch between KM 123 and KM 143 in the Buguda–Banigochha section.
In addition to the viaduct construction, Rahee Group is also responsible for the execution of ROB No. 229, a composite girder structure located at chainage KM 105.06 between the Nuagaon and Daspalla sections. The contract also covers the provision of construction vehicles, site facilities, and other allied support services required for the completion of the project.
The viaduct extends from Jamusahi to Gurah village in the Nayagarh district, falling under the Buguda and Banigochha stations. As of now, the railway authorities have completed 98 foundations, 62 bed blocks, and erected 41 span girders.
Shri Rajesh Kumar Das, deputy chief engineer of ECOR, mentioned, “Construction of this viaduct is currently underway and upon completion, it will become the second longest railway bridge in the country, surpassed only by Bogibeel bridge over the Brahmaputra river in Assam,” as reported by Times of India (TOI).
Shri Das also mentioned that the proposed alignment of the railway line is set to intersect with the forthcoming Brutang irrigation project in Nayagarh district, thereby introducing additional complications to the development process. “A significant length of the railway route was affected by the planned reservoir. After detailed consultations with Odisha’s water resources department, the alignment was revised to include a 4.77 km long viaduct to prevent interference with the reservoir’s structure.”
Additionally, another viaduct measuring 1,257.6 meters is under construction in the Boudh district as part of this new line project. Shri Das emphasised that the 75 km segment from Daspalla to Purunakatak will provide a picturesque journey for passengers, featuring this viaduct along with seven tunnels situated within the dense forests of Nayagarh and Boudh districts.
