Key Points

The Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Link represents a groundbreaking infrastructure project transforming Uttarakhand's transportation landscape. With 83% of its 125-kilometer route passing through tunnels, the project showcases remarkable engineering capabilities in challenging mountain terrain. Twelve new stations and multiple bridges will significantly improve regional connectivity and economic prospects. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has highlighted the project as a critical milestone in the state's development journey under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Key Points: Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Link Transforms Himalayan Connectivity

  • Ambitious rail project spans 125 km with 16 major tunnels
  • 12 new stations planned to boost regional accessibility
  • Engineering marvel overcoming challenging Himalayan terrain
  • Expected first phase completion by end of 2026
2 min read

Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Link set to transform Uttarakhand's connectivity

Revolutionary 125 km rail project through Uttarakhand featuring 83% tunneled route, promising enhanced connectivity and economic growth

"Under PM Modi's leadership, Devbhoomi is now running on the track of development - Pushkar Singh Dhami"

Rishikesh, April 16

The Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Link Project is progressing steadily and promising to revolutionise connectivity in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Stretching over 125.20 kilometres, the project is a landmark in Indian railway engineering, featuring an impressive 83.07 per cent of the route through tunnels.

A total of 16 main tunnels, spanning 104 kilometres, and 12 escape tunnels covering 97.72 kilometres are being constructed alongside 7.05 kilometres of cross-passages. The longest tunnel alone stretches 14.58 kilometres, highlighting the challenging terrain the project is overcoming.

The rail link includes 14 rail bridges, of which five are categorised as important and major. These bridges cover a total length of 3,076 meters, with the tallest, Gauchar Bridge (Br-15), rising to 46.99 meters. The Srinagar Bridge (Br-09) stands out with a maximum length of 489 meters, and the Devprayag Bridge (Br-06) boasts the longest span of 125 meters.

In addition to the rail infrastructure, the project also features six road bridges, two road overbridges and 38 minor bridges, ensuring seamless multimodal integration. Twelve new stations are planned along the route, further enhancing local accessibility and economic prospects.

Another significant component is the 18.43 kilometres of open cutting and embankment, comprising 14.72 per cent of the entire route, which accommodates the region's challenging geographical conditions.

Once completed, the Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Link will significantly reduce travel time, boost tourism and provide a reliable transportation corridor for locals and pilgrims alike, connecting the Garhwal hills to the rest of India like never before.

Recently, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami termed the Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Project the foundation stone of development, connectivity, and the state's prosperous future.

"The first phase of the long-awaited rail project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026."Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Project is not just a railway line but the foundation stone of development, connectivity and the prosperous future of the state," Dhami said in a post on X.

"Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Project is not just a railway line but the foundation stone of development, connectivity and prosperous future of the state," Dhami said in a post on X."Under the leadership of the respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiji, Devbhoomi is now running on the track of development; every station, every tunnel and every bridge of this project is making the dream of railway on the mountains come true," the Chief Minister added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
This is such an exciting development for Uttarakhand! 🎉 The engineering challenges must be immense with all those tunnels and bridges. Can't wait to take my family on this scenic route when it's complete!
R
Rahul K.
While I appreciate the infrastructure development, I hope they're taking proper environmental precautions. The Himalayas are fragile ecosystems. The article doesn't mention any sustainability measures.
A
Anjali S.
My grandparents live in Karnprayag and currently it takes us 8+ hours to visit them from Dehradun. This rail link will be life-changing for so many families! 🙏
V
Vikram P.
The 14.58 km tunnel sounds impressive! Indian engineers are really pushing boundaries. Hope they maintain safety standards though - remember the Chamoli disaster.
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Sunita R.
As a frequent traveler to Char Dham, this is the best news! The current roads are so dangerous during monsoon. A reliable rail link will make pilgrimages so much safer and comfortable.
M
Mohit G.
The economic impact will be huge! Easier transportation means more tourists, more jobs, and better access to markets for local products. Smart investment for Uttarakhand's future.

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