In a remarkable display of engineering prowess, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has achieved one of the most productive tunnelling years in its history by successfully breaking through five tunnels across the geologically challenging Eastern Ghats during the financial year 2025–26.
The latest feat came on April 14, 2026, with the breakthrough of **Tunnel No. 30** (1,043 metres) in the Sikarpai–Keutguda section of the Koraput–Singapur Road doubling project. What makes this achievement even more impressive is that the tunnel was driven entirely on a sharp 5-degree curve. Despite the difficult alignment, the team achieved **100% accuracy** in matching the drives from both ends — a testament to advanced surveying technology, meticulous planning, and exceptional execution under tough conditions.
Significant progress was also recorded on the strategically vital **Khurda Road–Balangir new line project**. The longest tunnel on the route, **Tunnel T-4** (4,185 metres), and **Tunnel T-2** (1,775 metres) were successfully broken through, together contributing nearly 6 kilometres of tunnelling through hilly terrain. Earlier in the year, **Tunnels T-5 and T-6** (250 metres each) were completed in July 2025, followed by **Tunnel T-7** (1,975 metres) in November 2025, with substantial advancement in lining and finishing works.
In total, ECoR broke through **7,051 metres** of tunnels and fully completed **2,475 metres** with lining and associated infrastructure during the year. Additional breakthroughs were achieved on key doubling sections of the Koraput–Rayagada and Koraput–Singapur Road corridors.
These tunnelling successes are not just numbers — they represent a determined push to overcome formidable natural barriers in one of India’s most rugged landscapes. The projects will dramatically enhance rail connectivity between coastal and western Odisha, increase capacity on critical freight and passenger corridors, and open up remote tribal regions to greater economic opportunities.
By adopting a focused “mission mode” approach, East Coast Railway has demonstrated how modern technology, skilled manpower, and unwavering commitment can turn challenging geography into corridors of progress. As these lines near completion, the people of Odisha can look forward to faster, safer, and more reliable rail services that will fuel regional development for decades to come.
This record-breaking performance underscores ECoR’s growing reputation as a leader in complex railway infrastructure development in difficult terrain.
