The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway project in Uttarakhand is moving forward with significant progress. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is executing this project to connect hilly districts with the rail network. While the full project will be finished by December 2029, train services are expected to start on some sections by June 2028.
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What is the timeline and progress of the project?
RVNL Deputy General Manager Omprakash Malgudi stated that over 75% of the work is complete. Out of 213 km, 206 km of tunnel excavation is done, and lining work has been completed for over 150 km. Train services to Byasi are expected to begin by June 2028, and the entire line to Karnaprayag will be operational by December 2029.
Key highlights of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag line
This 125-126 km long line will pass through five districts: Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli. The project uses blastless track technology, similar to high-speed rails in Europe and Japan. It will reduce travel time from Rishikesh to Karnaprayag to about two and a half hours.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Cost | ₹37,000 Crore |
| Total Stations | 13 Stations |
| Tunnel Percentage | 80-83% of the route |
| Longest Tunnel | Tunnel No. 8 (14.58 km) |
| Major Bridges | 19 Large and 31 Small bridges |
| Largest Station | Karnaprayag (Terminus with 26 lines) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag train service start?
Train services to Byasi are expected to start by June 2028, and the complete project to Karnaprayag will be finished by December 2029.
Which is the longest tunnel in this project?
Tunnel number 8, located between Devprayag and Janasu, is the longest railway tunnel in India with a length of 14.58 km.