The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Broad Gauge Rail Link Project in Uttarakhand reached a major milestone with the breakthrough of Tunnel-8. This tunnel is approximately 14.58 km long and will be the longest rail transportation tunnel in India. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami witnessed the achievement on April 16, 2025.
What are the key details of Tunnel-8
Tunnel-8 is located on the Devprayag–Janasu stretch of the 125-km long rail project. It is being built as a twin tunnel system to ensure better connectivity and safety. While the first tunnel achieved its breakthrough in April 2025, the second twin tunnel is expected to be completed by July 2025. The project is being implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and executed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
Which technology was used for construction
Engineers used a mix of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) and the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) to carve through the Himalayas. A massive TBM named Shakti, with a diameter of 9.11 meters, excavated 10.4 km of the tunnel. Another TBM named Shiva is working on the twin tunnel. This is the largest TBM ever used for a rail project in the Himalayan region, which falls under Seismic Zone IV.
How will this project benefit the region
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Travel Time | Significant reduction in journey time through mountains |
| Connectivity | Better access to Chardham and remote areas |
| Economy | Boost to local tourism and economic growth |
| Safety | More secure travel compared to hilly roads |
The overall Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line project is now targeted for completion by December 2028. This link will make travel more convenient for pilgrims and locals alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tunnel-8 की कुल लंबाई कितनी है और यह कहाँ स्थित है?
Tunnel-8 की लंबाई लगभग 14.58 किलोमीटर है। यह उत्तराखंड में ऋषिकेश-कर्णप्रयाग रेल लाइन प्रोजेक्ट के देवप्रयाग-जनसु खंड पर स्थित है।
इस प्रोजेक्ट के पूरा होने की समय सीमा क्या है?
ऋषिकेश-कर्णप्रयाग रेल लाइन प्रोजेक्ट को अब दिसंबर 2028 तक पूरा करने का लक्ष्य रखा गया है।
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