Bhubaneswar: In preparation for the monsoon season, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has intensified safety operations across the Kothavalasa-Kirandul (KK), Koraput-Rayagada (KR), and Rayagada-Vizianagaram (RV) ghat sections. These measures aim to prevent boulders and rocks from obstructing train services, as landslides and rockfalls in these areas frequently cause disruptions.
Focus on Vulnerable Sections
Official sources confirm that work is concentrated on sensitive ghat sections prone to rockfall, soil erosion, and adverse weather conditions. The 445-kilometer KK line, a highly profitable route, traverses challenging hilly terrain and tunnels.
“To address the situation, modern slope stabilisation measures such as rockfall barriers, rock bolting, wire mesh netting, Geomat laying, and tunnel strengthening are being implemented on a priority basis to enhance infrastructure safety and operational reliability,” stated an official ECoR release.
Progress in KK-I and KK-II Sections
Substantial progress has been recorded in protection works under the KK-I and KK-II sections. In the first phase, 910 meters of rockfall barrier work has been completed. Additionally, 30,621 square meters of wire mesh netting and 25,830 meters of rock bolting have been executed. Furthermore, 500 square meters of Geomat were laid for slope protection and erosion control, according to official sources.
In the KK-II section, the entire target of 120 meters of rockfall barrier work has been finished. Moreover, 4,200 square meters of wire mesh netting have been installed to reinforce vulnerable hill cuttings in the area.
Advancements in KR Section
Protection works are also progressing steadily in the KR section. So far, 220 meters of rockfall barrier work, 14,745 square meters of wire mesh netting, and the complete 1,600 meters of rock bolting have been completed. These preventive measures aim to minimise the risk of loose rock movement, improve slope stability, and ensure uninterrupted train operations through the challenging ghat terrain, said a senior railway officer.
Ongoing Work in RV Section
In the RV section, protection works on vulnerable cuttings between Lanjigarh Road and Rayagada are currently underway and are targeted for completion by May 31, as per an official statement.
