East Coast Railway has intensified protection and strengthening works in vulnerable cuttings and tunnels over the Kottavalasa–Kirandul (KK), Koraput–Rayagada (KR) and Rayagada–Vizianagaram (RV) railway sections to ensure safer and more reliable train operations during the monsoon season.
The works are being carried out in sensitive ghat sections prone to rockfall, soil erosion and adverse weather conditions. Modern slope stabilization measures such as Rock Fall Barriers, Rock Bolting, Wire Mesh Netting, Geomat Laying and tunnel strengthening are being executed on priority to enhance infrastructure safety and operational reliability.
Major Progress in KK-I Section
Significant progress has been achieved in the KK-I section. A total of 910 metres of Rock Fall Barrier work has been completed. In addition, 29,776 square metres of Wire Mesh Netting and 22,197 metres of Rock Bolting have been completed.
Intensive field activities were also undertaken for the purpose, including drilling of 346 holes and grouting of 40 holes for stabilization works. Besides this, 300 square metres of Rhomboidal Mesh and 730 square metres of Mono oriented Mesh were spread at vulnerable locations for additional slope protection.
Protection Works in KK-II Section
In the KK-II section, the entire targeted 120 metres of Rock Fall Barrier work has been completed. Additionally, 4,200 square metres of Wire Mesh Netting have been executed, achieving significant progress and strengthening vulnerable hill cuttings in the section.
Steady Progress in KR Section
Protection works are also progressing steadily in the Koraput–Rayagada (KR) section. So far, the complete 300 metres of Rock Fall Barrier work and 1,600 metres of Rock Bolting work completed registering 100% completion in both categories. Additionally, 10,000 square metres of Wire Mesh Netting has been completed.
These preventive measures are aimed at minimizing the risk of loose rock movement, improving slope stability and ensuring uninterrupted train operations through the challenging ghat terrain.
Protection Works in RV Section
In the Rayagada–Vizianagaram (RV) section, protection works in vulnerable cuttings between Lanjigarh Road and Rayagada are progressing on priority and are targeted for completion by 30 June 2026.
Tunnel Strengthening Works in KR Section
For strengthening of safety in tunnels under the KR section, the tender for strengthening of three tunnels already awarded. Traffic and power block requirements have been finalized and the Division is making necessary preparedness for undertaking the works.
Geological & Geophysical Studies for Long term Safety
To identify sustainable long term remedial measures and further strengthen safety in vulnerable locations, geological survey already commenced in other vulnerable cuttings of the KK and KR sections.
East Coast Railway continues to accord the highest priority to infrastructure safety, modernization and disaster preparedness to ensure safe, smooth and uninterrupted train operations for both passenger and freight services across its critical ghat sections.
