Ministry of Railways sanctioned Flyover at Khurda Road to ease traffic congestion

Newdelhi:25/6/24:In response to the growing train traffic and congestion at Khurda Road Station, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned a significant infrastructure project. ECoR has earlier proposed the construction of a Flyover Bridge to facilitate smoother train operations in the Howrah-Chennai Main Line and Khurda Road-Puri Branch Line. This project, set to be executed under the Energy Corridor Scheme of Indian Railways, is a vital step towards enhancing the efficiency and capacity of train movements in this busy section.

The Flyover, estimated to cost Rupees 191.87 crores, aims to address the increasing train traffic problems by providing a dedicated infrastructure for trains from Puri to connect the down line towards Bhubaneswar without crossing other lines at Khurda Road Station.

Key Highlights of the Project:

•    Project Cost: The flyover will be constructed at a sanctioned cost of Rupees 191.87 crores.

•    Length: The Flyover Bridge will span 7.41 km.

•    Hassle free movement for passenger trains : This will facilitate smooth movement of passenger carrying trains in Bhubaneswar direction which originates from Puri.

•    Energy Corridor Scheme: The construction will be part of the Energy Corridor of Indian Railways, showcasing a commitment to sustainable and efficient infrastructure development.

•    Operational Efficiency: The new flyover will eliminate detentions on account of cross-movements, improving the average speed and operational efficiency of trains in both the Howrah-Chennai Main Line and Khurda Road-Puri Branch Line.

•    Congestion Relief: Main Line trains will no longer be detained at Khurda Road Station, significantly reducing the waiting period for trains approaching this busy junction.

Khurda Road Railway Station is a major junction, handling various train movements. The construction of this flyover will facilitate simultaneous movements of trains in the Bhubaneswar-Brahmapur and Khurda Road-Puri Rail Sections. Previously, train movements had to be halted at Khurda Road to allow for cross-traffic from the Puri direction, leading to delays and operational inefficiencies.

By providing hassle-free train movement and eliminating cross-movement detentions, this new rail flyover is expected to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers and boost the operational capabilities of Indian Railways in this region.

Presently any train coming from Puri going towards Bhubaneswar will create surface crossing at Khurda Road Junction Station. This limitation prevents simultaneous movement of train from Khurda towards Palasa and from Puri towards Bhubaneswar at Khurda Station. Once this flyover is commissioned, simultaneous movement of train from Puri and towards south can happen together. As a result, passengers from Puri and South towards Bhubaneswar and from Bhubaneswar direction towards South will not detain for passing of trains from triangular directions.

Indian Railways is committed to improving its infrastructure across the country. This new flyover at Khurda Road is a crucial step towards reducing congestion and enhancing the efficiency of train operations.