Rishikesh Karnaprayag Rail Project Achieves Breakthrough on Nation Second Longest Tunnel
The ambitious Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway project reached a significant milestone on September 11, 2026, with the final breakthrough of Escape Tunnel-1. Spanning 10.847 kilometers, this achievement marks the 41st tunnel breakthrough for the project and confirms it as the second-longest railway tunnel within the development. The project is managed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, executing complex engineering works involving contractors such as Max Infra Projects, which is associated with Package-I. Construction of the tunnel required navigating challenging Himalayan geological conditions, including highly tectonized, multi-folded, and extensively faulted rock formations. Crews faced widespread shearing, local crushing, and the development of thick mylonite zones near the Main Boundary Thrust. Despite these obstacles, approximately 1,000 workers have been operating round-the-clock to maintain progress. As of September 2026, the project has recorded 78% overall progress, with 97% of total tunnel excavation now complete. Out of 28 tunnels planned, 22 have now been successfully excavated, with five additional breakthroughs anticipated within the next year. The full 125-kilometer line features 16 main tunnels covering 104 kilometers and 12 escape tunnels spanning roughly 98 kilometers. RVNL Chairman and Managing Director Saleem Ahmad noted that the project is steadily moving toward its December 2029 target completion date. Project Manager Nishith Sharma confirmed that the main railway tunnel breakthrough is expected in approximately four months. Deputy General Manager (Civil) O.P. Malgudi stated that the initiative is intended to revolutionize transport infrastructure in mountainous Uttarakhand.