Bhubaneswar, Sept. 23 (UDN): The Khordha-Balangir railway project has moved closer to its next operational milestone with a successful trial run of a freight locomotive up to Charichhak, marking progress on the Purunakatak-Charichhak section.
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The latest test run followed the completion of major track and infrastructure work in the area, with railway authorities now preparing for the next stage of inspection and clearance.
Locomotive Crosses Tunnel, Two Viaducts
A freight locomotive was operated on the newly completed stretch towards Charichhak at a speed of around 60 kmph during the trial.
The locomotive crossed two viaduct bridges and Tunnel No. 7 during the exercise, allowing railway officials to assess the condition and readiness of the track and associated infrastructure.
A subsequent trial was also conducted with a freight locomotive hauling several wagons. The tests were aimed at checking the operational readiness of the newly laid section before it proceeds to the formal safety assessment.
Charichhak Station Work In Final Phase
Following the completion of railway connectivity up to Boudh and Purunakatak, work is now progressing towards extending the operational section to Charichhak.
Construction work at Charichhak railway station and the connecting track is reportedly nearing completion. The remaining works are being taken up ahead of the required inspection and clearance procedures.
The latest trial run is being seen as another step towards completing the next segment of the long-awaited railway project.
Safety Inspection To Determine Next Step
The Purunakatak-Charichhak section is expected to undergo a safety inspection in the coming weeks.
The inspection will be an important stage before regular train operations can begin on the newly completed stretch. The commencement of passenger or other regular services will depend on the outcome of the inspection as well as completion of the mandatory formalities.
With track testing already underway and station construction nearing completion, railway authorities are working towards taking the Charichhak section to the next stage of commissioning.
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