India achieved a major milestone in infrastructure with the completion of Tunnel-8, the country’s longest railway tunnel. Located in Uttarakhand, this 14.58 km long tunnel is a key part of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Broad Gauge rail link project. The tunnel is a significant engineering feat built under the challenging terrain of the Himalayas.
ℹ️: Dharhara Railway Station: Deadline ends for removing encroachments, bulldozer action from May 4।
What are the main features of Tunnel-8
Tunnel-8 is situated between Devprayag and Janasu. It is part of a larger 125 km project where about 83% of the track will run through tunnels. The construction used a combination of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). A massive TBM named Shakti, with a diameter of 9.11 meters, was used for 10.4 km of the excavation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 14.58 KM |
| Location | Devprayag to Janasu, Uttarakhand |
| Project Name | Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Link |
| Implementing Agency | RVNL |
| Contractor | L&T |
| TBM Name | Shakti (9.11m diameter) |
How will this tunnel benefit passengers and the region
The tunnel will drastically reduce travel time between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag from 7 hours to just 2 hours. It will make travel easier for pilgrims visiting Badrinath and Kedarnath. This project will boost local tourism and create new employment opportunities for people in the hills. It also provides a safer and faster transport option during natural disasters.
What were the challenges and timelines
The region falls under seismic zone-4, which made construction difficult. Engineers faced issues like water leakage, loose rocks, and tough geological conditions. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the successful breakthrough on April 16, 2025. The entire Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project is expected to be operational by December 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tunnel-8 की लंबाई कितनी है और यह कहाँ स्थित है?
इस सुरंग की लंबाई लगभग 14.58 किलोमीटर है। यह उत्तराखंड राज्य में देवप्रयाग और जनासू के बीच स्थित है।
इस प्रोजेक्ट से यात्रा के समय में कितनी कमी आएगी?
ऋषिकेश और कर्णप्रयाग के बीच यात्रा का समय 7 घंटे से घटकर मात्र 2 घंटे रह जाएगा।
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