Rs 183.89 Crore for construction of railway fly over at Titilagarh

Bhubaneswar: In response to the growing train traffic and congestion at Titilagarh Junction Station under Sambalpur Division of East Coast Railway, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned a significant infrastructure project, i.e., Flyover, to facilitate smoother train operations in the Raipur-Vizianagaram, Titilagarh-Sambalpur and Sambalpur-Raipur Railway Sections.

This project, set to be executed under the Energy Corridor Scheme of Indian Railways, is a vital step towards enhancing the efficiency and capacity of train movements in this busy section.

Titlagarh is a junction Station in Sambalpur Division connecting Vizianagaram, Raipur and Sambalpur. Presently there is a major constraint at Titilagarh Station affecting train movement. Up trains from Raipur end when admitting to Titilagarh yard crosses the path of Down traffic to Sambalpur at North end of the yard. The number of such cross movements has been assessed to be 38 per day as per Line capacity statement in 2023-24.

Such a large number of cross movements affects overall mobility in the Train Operations System. Train traffic are being affected and detained not only at Titilagarh but also at adjoining Stations due to lack of clearance from Titilagarh attributable to yard congestion caused by cross movements.

The Flyover, estimated to cost Rupees 183.89 crores aims to address the increasing train traffic problems by providing a dedicated infrastructure for trains from and to Vizianagaram, Raipur and Sambalpur directions at Titilagarh without crossing other lines.

Key Highlights of the Project:

• Project Cost: The flyover will be constructed at a sanctioned cost of Rupees 183.89 crores.

• Length: The Flyover Bridge will span 8.11 km.

• Hassle free movement for passenger carried trains: This will facilitate smooth movement of passenger carrying trains in Raipur, Vizianagaram & Sambalpur directions.

• Energy Corridor Scheme: The construction will be part of the Energy Corridor of Indian Railways, showcasing a commitment to sustainable and efficient infrastructure development.

• Operational Efficiency: The new flyover will eliminate detentions on account of cross-movements, improving the average speed and operational efficiency of trains in both the Raipur-Vizianagaram Main Line and Titilagarh-Sambalpur Line.

• Congestion Relief: Main Line trains will no longer be detained at Titilagarh Station, significantly reducing the waiting period for trains approaching this busy junction.

Titilagarh Railway Station is a major junction, handling various train movements. The construction of this flyover will facilitate simultaneous movements of trains towards Vizianagaram, Sambalpur and Raipur without crossings. Previously, train movements had to be halted at Titilagarh to allow for cross-traffic from the above three directions, leading to delays and operational inefficiencies.

By providing hassle-free train movement and eliminating cross-movement detentions, this new rail flyover is expected to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers and boost the operational capabilities of Indian Railways in this region.

Presently the train movements create surface crossing at Titilagarh Junction Station. This limitation prevents simultaneous movement of train from Raipur towards Vizianagaram; from Vizianagaram towards Sambalpur and from Sambalpur towards Raipur at Titilagarh Station. Once this flyover is commissioned, simultaneous movement of train towards all the directions can happen together.