Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Line Update, to be completed by 2026
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project |
| Phase Completion | First phase to be completed by the end of 2026 |
| Announced By | Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami |
| Significant Site | Tunnel construction at Karnaprayag-Simai |
| Challenge | Building tunnels in the hilly terrain is uniquely challenging |
| Impact | A milestone in Uttarakhand’s development |
| Current Status | Work progressing rapidly |
The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail Line project aims to improve connectivity in the hilly region, making travel easier and faster while promoting economic growth. This project is expected to enhance tourism and provide a major boost to the infrastructure of Uttarakhand.
The tunnel at Karnaprayag-Simai demonstrates the engineering marvel involved in the project and highlights the effort to overcome geographical challenges.
Once the rail project is finished, traveling to the mountains will be much easier, and tourism will receive a significant boost, he stated.
Opportunity for Pilgrims
It will also make the Chardham pilgrimage highly convenient and create new opportunities for jobs and self-employment, Dhami mentioned. He added that the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line is a special gift from the prime minister, showcasing his deep affection for Uttarakhand.
Insights about the Project
- Officials shared with the chief minister that the total length of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail Line project is 125 km.
- Sixteen tunnels and 12 stations are being constructed as part of this Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line project.
- The target is to finish most of the work by December 2026. A railway station for Karnaprayag is being built in Sewai.
- On December 25, a 6.3 km escape tunnel from Bhattnagar (Gauchar) to Sewai was completed. The 6.2 km main tunnel is expected to be finished by March this year, leaving only 695 meters of work on the main tunnel, officials said.
- Additionally, construction of a road bridge and a rail bridge is progressing at Sewai as part of the project.