Hans News Service Bhubaneswar

Toensure safe and reliable train operations during the monsoon, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has expedited protection and strengthening works across the Kottavalasa–Kirandul (KK), Koraput–Rayagada (KR) and Rayagada–Vizianagaram (RV) sections. The works are being undertaken in vulnerable ghat stretches that are susceptible to rockfall, soil erosion and weather-related disruptions.

As part of the safety drive, ECoR is deploying advanced slope stabilisation measures, including Rock Fall Barriers, Rock Bolting, Wire Mesh Netting, Geomat Laying and tunnel strengthening to improve infrastructure resilience and operational reliability. In the KK-1 section, substantial progress hasbeen recorded with completion of 910 metres of Rock Fall Barrier installation, 29,776 square metres of Wire Mesh Netting and 22,197 metres of Rock Bolting.

Field operations have also intensified, with 346 drilling points completed and 40 holes grouted for stabilisation. Additionally, 300 square metres of Rhomboidal Mesh and 730 square metres of Mono-oriented Mesh have been laid at vulnerable locations to provide enhanced slope protection.

In the KK-II section, the targeted 120 metres of Rock Fall Barrier work has been completed. Additionally, 4,200 square metres of Wire Mesh Netting has been executed to strengthen vulnerable hill cuttings.

Protection measures in the Koraput–Rayagada (KR) section are also progressing steadily. The Railway has completed the entire targeted 300 metres of Rock Fall Barrier work and 1,600 metres of Rock Bolting, achieving full completion in both categories. In addition, 10,000 square metres of Wire Mesh Netting has been completed. According to ECoR, these preventive interventions are intended to reduce the risk of loose rock movement, improve slope stability and maintain uninterrupted train movement through difficult ghat terrain.

In the Rayagada–Vizianagaram (RV) section, protection works in vulnerable cuttings between Lanjigarh Road and Rayagada are being taken up on priority and are scheduled forcompletion by June 30.

To further strengthen tunnel safety under the KR section, tenders for strengthening three tunnels have already been awarded. Traffic and power block requirements have been finalised and preparatory arrangements are underway to execute the works.

The ECoR has also initiated geological surveys in other vulnerable cuttings across the KK andKR sections to identify sustainable long-term remedial measures and reinforce infrastructure safety.

The Railway stated that infrastructure safety, modernisation and disaster preparedness remain key priorities to ensure safe, smooth and uninterrupted passenger and freight operations across its critical ghat corridors.