Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) [India], April 16: The ambitious Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Link Project is making significant strides and is set to redefine transportation and connectivity in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Spanning 125.20 kilometres, this engineering marvel is one of the most tunnel-intensive railway projects in India, with over 83% of the route passing through tunnels.
The project comprises 16 main tunnels extending over 104 kilometres, accompanied by 12 escape tunnels totalling 97.72 kilometres and 7.05 kilometres of cross-passages. The longest tunnel stretches a remarkable 14.58 kilometres, showcasing the technical challenges posed by the rugged Himalayan terrain.
Key infrastructure highlights include 14 railway bridges, five of which are major or important. Collectively, these bridges span 3,076 meters. Among them, the Gauchar Bridge (Br-15) stands tallest at 46.99 meters, while the Srinagar Bridge (Br-09) is the longest at 489 meters. The Devprayag Bridge (Br-06) features the longest individual span of 125 meters.
To ensure integrated transport connectivity, the project also involves the construction of six road bridges, two road overbridges, and 38 minor bridges. Twelve new stations are planned along the route to enhance accessibility for remote communities and bolster regional development.
Additionally, 18.43 kilometres of open cutting and embankments—making up 14.72% of the route—are being built to adapt to the region’s complex geography.
Once operational, the Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Link will slash travel times, boost tourism, and serve as a lifeline for locals and pilgrims. By linking the remote Garhwal hills with the rest of India, the project is poised to be transformative.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailed the project as a “foundation stone of development, connectivity and the state’s prosperous future.” In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “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 first phase of the rail link is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, marking a milestone in India’s infrastructure journey in the Himalayan region.