East Central Railway (ECR) is working on a special project to strengthen three tunnels in the Gurpa-Gajhandi ghat section. These tunnels are 120 years old and need urgent upgrades to ensure better safety and operational efficiency. The project aims to allow heavy BOBR coal rakes to move smoothly through this section.
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Why is the strengthening of tunnels necessary
The primary goal is to increase freight capacity and ensure the safe movement of Bombay Open Bottom Discharge (BOBR) rakes. General Manager Chhatrasal Singh and DRM Akhilesh Kumar Mishra inspected the site on June 6 and 7, 2026. They found that redesigning Tunnel Number 1 and increasing its dimensions is critical for the movement of heavy coal trains.
Who is involved in this project and what are the benefits
The project is being executed by East Central Railway with technical support from IIT-ISM Dhanbad for the redesign of the tunnels. This upgrade will directly benefit NTPC power plants in Barauni and Bhadson by ensuring a steady supply of coal. The key improvements are listed below:
- Increased Capacity: Ability to handle heavier BOBR rakes.
- Faster Turnaround: Reduced time for wagon movement.
- Higher Revenue: Increase in freight earnings for Indian Railways.
- Enhanced Safety: Modern structural reinforcement of century-old tunnels.
What is the current status of the work
The redesign and dimensioning of Tunnel Number 1 are currently being carried out on a war footing. Railway officials stated that previous improvements in tunnel curvature have already enabled the regular operation of heavy coal rakes. CPRO Saraswati Chandra mentioned that once the BOBR rake operations are fully operational, there will be a significant saving in travel time for goods trains.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which section’s tunnels are being strengthened?
The three 120-year-old tunnels in the Gurpa-Gajhandi ghat section of East Central Railway are being strengthened.
Who is providing technical help for the redesign?
IIT-ISM Dhanbad is providing the necessary technical cooperation for the redesign of the tunnels.
How will this project help NTPC plants?
By increasing the freight capacity and enabling BOBR rakes, the NTPC power plants in Barauni and Bhadson will receive an uninterrupted supply of coal.