The KK line, officially known as the Kothavalasa-Kirandul line, spans a distance of 445 kilometers and traverses the rugged terrain of the Eastern Ghats mountain range. Renowned for its steep gradient, this railway line is the most elevated broad-gauge freight route within the Indian Railways network.

Its primary purpose is to link the iron ore mines owned by NMDC in Chattisgarh with both steel plants and the port in Vishakhapatnam. Notably, the KK line boasts an impressive infrastructure, consisting of 58 tunnels and 84 significant bridges, making it the highest broad-gauge freight line in the country. 

Currently, the Kothavalasa-Kirandul (KK) railway line, a crucial mineral transport route, is undergoing a doubling project, progressing rapidly. This initiative for the 445.5-kilometer KK Line considered the lifeline of the Waltair Division, was initially budgeted for the 2011-12 fiscal year and formally approved in 2015-16.

In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the KK line contributed ₹2,252 crore, accounting for over 25% of Waltair Division's ₹8,390 crore total freight earnings. In the first five months of 2023-24, it generated ₹1.084 crore in freight earnings, compared to the division's overall ₹3,563 crore. 

The successful completion of this project will improve train flow, addressing traffic congestion that causes significant delays on single-line segments. Currently, 237 out of 445 kilometers of railway track have been doubled, including sections from Kottavalasa to Koraput (74.80 km), Koraput to Jagdalpur (85.50 km), and Jagdalpur to Kirandul (106.30 km).

Steep gradients and sharp curves pose challenges to efficient execution. Construction of the challenging 7.3-kilometer stretch between Srungavarapukota (S. Kota) and Boddavara stations was completed by May this year, enabling both freight and passenger transportation.  

The planned railway network will enhance regional connectivity, benefiting the local economy and residents. The KK railway line plays a vital role in transporting minerals, commodities, and passengers in the region, with expansion efforts set to significantly enhance its capacity to meet growing transportation needs. Upon project completion, it will contribute significantly to the region's development.

Divisional Railway Manager Saurabh Prasad emphasizes a commitment to improving mobility while minimizing passenger inconvenience during necessary traffic blocks for construction and maintenance. Scheduled traffic block days provide passengers with advance notice.  

"In the Vizianagaram – Rayagada Section, we have assigned Thursdays and Fridays exclusively for the KK line, particularly focusing on the segment between Kottavalasa and Koraput. We've initiated an 8-week rolling block program with specific days allocated for different sections.

We are actively pursuing the acquisition of '8-wheeler tower wagons' equipped with two testing pads on top to expedite maintenance operations," he explains. 

"At present, we are in the process of building 49 additional tunnels along the KK line, supplementing the existing 58 tunnels."Furthermore, we are reviewing crew schedules to ensure they do not work continuously for more than 12 hours, with an increase in the number of crew members," says DRM Saurabh Prasad. He also said that the anticipated completion of the doubling project is set for March 2026.

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