Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Line Project In Uttarakhand Progresses As 13 Out Of 16 Mainline Tunnels Completed

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has stated that 13 out of the 16 mainline tunnels have been completed on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway project in Uttarakhand.

The 125-kilometre rail line, which passes through challenging Himalayan terrain, passes through Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudrapryag and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand and will provide rail connectivity to the hilly regions of the state.

It will connect religious and tourist spots in Uttarakhand with Rishikesh and Delhi.

With 84 per cent of its total length, the alignment of the project predominantly passes through tunnels.

The project involves the construction of 16 mainline tunnels, totaling 105 kilometers, and 12 escape tunnels, covering 98 kilometers.

"So far, 13 main line tunnels and 9 escape tunnels have been completed," Vaishnaw said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

To increase progress of works, eight adits in various tunnels were also
identified. These adits created additional work faces of tunnel
excavation expediting early completion of long tunnels.

"Works of all 8 Adits have also been completed," the minister said.

"Accordingly, tunneling of 199 Km against total scope of 213 Km has been completed," he added.

The breakthrough on the longest tunnel of the project, Tunnel T8, spanning 14.59 kilometers making it the longest railway tunnel in India, was completed in April this year.

The tunneling is being carried out with all precautions and latest
technologies to ensure minimum damage to ecology and surroundings, the minister said.

Also Read: India’s Longest Railway Tunnel Breakthrough Achieved In Uttarakhand Under Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project—All About It