The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project is set to achieve its first tunnel breakthrough on Friday, with the escape tunnel of the project’s first tunnel expected to be completed. The main tunnel is targeted for breakthrough by January. The tunnel stretches for around 10 kilometres from Dhalwala to Neer Gaddu near Rishikesh. Its construction has been considered one of the more challenging parts of the project due to geological conditions in the area. The 125-kilometre Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project has a total of 28 tunnels, of which 22 have been completed. Both main and escape tunnels are being constructed as part of the project.
The first tunnel, which begins near Dhalwala in Rishikesh, passes through an area considered particularly sensitive because of a major geological fault. Engineers have therefore carried out the work with additional caution. According to officials, construction of the escape tunnel has now been completed. The breakthrough is scheduled for 3 pm on Friday. Around 1.5 kilometres of work remains in the main tunnel, which is targeted for completion by January.
1.5 Km of Track Laid So Far
Track-laying work on the project also began in May this year. So far, around 1.5 kilometres of track has been laid inside the tunnel between Shivpuri and Gular. A total of six kilometres of track is planned in this section.
The railway line will be opened to Karnaprayag in two phases. In the first phase, train services between Yog Nagari Rishikesh railway station and Byasi are targeted to begin by June 2028. The distance between the two stations is around 27 kilometres.
The second phase will connect Byasi with Karnaprayag by December 2029. This section will cover around 92 kilometres.
OHE Work to Be Completed in Two Phases
Electrical works will also be carried out in phases. The first phase will include general power supply up to Byasi, fire-fighting arrangements and tunnel ventilation. The work is estimated to cost ₹434 crore. Installation of overhead equipment (OHE) will also be carried out in two phases. The first phase will cover the section up to Srinagar at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore. A similar investment is planned for the section up to Karnaprayag.
Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project at a Glance
- Total length: 125 km
- New stations: 12
- Maximum passenger train speed: 100 kmph
- Maximum freight train speed: 65 kmph
- Bridges: 19
- Total length of main and escape tunnels: 213 km
OP Malgudi, Deputy General Manager (Civil), RVNL, said the escape tunnel of the project’s first tunnel will achieve breakthrough on Friday. He said around 1.5 kilometres of work remains in the main tunnel and is targeted for completion by January.
