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Indian Railways’ much-awaited Khurda Road–Balangir Rail Line project will build a new rail link between western and coastal Odisha, connecting six districts of the state. The total budget of the project is Rs 3799 crore and is expected to be completed by 2026. Out of the total length of 301 Kms of this project, altogether, 152.805 km of rail line work has been commissioned. 
The Railways has been constructing this line from both sides, i.e., from Khurda Road and Balangir for early completion of the project. 105.8 Km from Khurda Road to Daspalla and 47 Km from Balangir to Sonepur have already been completed. About 73 km from Sonepur to Purunakatak is expected to be completed within a couple of months.
It has also been targeted to complete the rest of the stretch, i.e., from Daspalla to Purunakatak, a stretch of 75 km by Dec’2026.
Accordingly, the Railways have planned 7 tunnels in the route. In Boudh District, four tunnels are being constructed while Tunnel 5 has been completed and finishing work will be done. Also, construction of Tunnels 4, 6, and 7 is underway.
The Khurda Road – Balangir New Rail Line Project is a bold and ambitious initiative led by the East Coast Railway (ECoR), to enhance connectivity and upgrade transportation infrastructure in Odisha. Railways are constructing a viaduct in a forest area between Banigochha and Adhenigarh. This will be economical and reduce construction costs. Less land will be required without affecting jungle land and wildlife movements thus protecting natural resources. The proposed alignment runs from east to west entirely within the southern watershed area of river Mahanadi.