The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag railway project in Uttarakhand has reached around 78% progress, with 97% of tunnel excavation completed and December 2029 set as the target.
Major Progress on Uttarakhand’s Himalayan Railway Project
The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Railway Project in Uttarakhand is making steady progress, with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) targeting December 2029 for completion of the 125-km railway line.
The project, estimated to cost around ₹37,000 crore, has achieved approximately 78% overall progress. Nearly 97% of the tunnel excavation work has also been completed, marking a major milestone in one of the country’s most challenging railway infrastructure projects.
Railway Line to Connect Five Districts
The railway project was sanctioned in the Union Budget 2010–11 and is being implemented by RVNL under the Ministry of Railways.
The 125-km line will connect Rishikesh with Karnaprayag, passing through five districts: Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag and Chamoli.
The railway will improve access to important Himalayan locations, including Devprayag, while strengthening connectivity for local communities, tourists and pilgrims.
Tunnel Work Nears Completion
Given Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain, tunnels form a major part of the railway project.
The project includes 16 main tunnels with a combined length of around 104 km and 12 escape tunnels covering approximately 98 km.
Around 101 km of main tunnels and 95 km of escape tunnels have already been excavated. With nearly 97% of overall tunnel excavation completed, construction has crossed a significant technical milestone.
The escape tunnels are designed to provide evacuation routes during emergencies, adding an important safety feature to the railway infrastructure.
Bridges and Access Roads Also Progressing
The project includes 19 major bridges, of which 11 have been completed. Work on the remaining eight bridges is underway.
Construction teams have also completed all eight access roads, covering a combined length of around 5 km. These roads provide access to difficult construction locations in the mountainous terrain and have helped facilitate ongoing project work.
Boost to Tourism and Char Dham Connectivity
The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag railway is expected to significantly improve transportation across Uttarakhand’s Himalayan region.
Better rail connectivity could make travel towards the Char Dham pilgrimage region easier while supporting religious and Himalayan tourism.
The project is also expected to reduce travel time between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag and create opportunities for local businesses, employment and economic activity.
Beyond tourism, improved transport infrastructure will strengthen connectivity to remote Himalayan areas and provide better access to strategically important regions.
RVNL’s Role in Railway Infrastructure
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. Established in 2003, the organisation undertakes railway infrastructure projects including new railway lines, track doubling, electrification, major bridges and metro infrastructure.
RVNL received Navratna status in 2023.
Why the Project Matters
The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag railway represents a major infrastructure investment in Uttarakhand’s Himalayan region. Its progress in tunnel excavation, bridges and access roads brings the project closer to its targeted December 2029 completion.
Once operational, the railway is expected to improve regional connectivity, support pilgrimage and tourism, strengthen local economic activity and provide better access to remote Himalayan communities.
Key Takeaways
- Project length: 125 km
- Estimated cost: ₹37,000 crore
- Overall progress: Around 78%
- Tunnel excavation: Nearly 97% complete
- Completion target: December 2029
- Main tunnels: 16
- Escape tunnels: 12
- Major bridges: 19
- Districts covered: Five
