Srinagar, October 24, 2024: In a major achievement under the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Project, the 3.3 km escape tunnel between Portal 1 and Edit-05 has been successfully completed. This breakthrough now ensures the entire 9 km escape tunnel from Srinagar to Dungaripanth is fully operational. With the excavation phase complete, the final concrete lining work has already begun, marking a significant milestone in the ambitious railway project.
The breakthrough took place near the Shrikot gas depot, where workers, engineers, and officials celebrated this accomplishment. The 125 km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line is one of the most vital infrastructure projects currently underway in the region, and it has been divided into ten different construction packages. The tunnel construction, which falls under Package 6, stretches from the GN ITI Ground in Srinagar to the Dhari Devi station yard in Dungaripanth.
The escape tunnel is part of Tunnel Number 11 of the railway project, with a total length of 9.05 km. It serves as a parallel safety tunnel to the main one, providing an emergency evacuation route. According to Piyush Pant, Project Director for Package 6, this tunnel plays a crucial role in connecting Srinagar with Dungaripanth, ensuring better connectivity and enhancing transportation safety. The main tunnel’s breakthrough is expected by December 2024, covering the final 3.3 km stretch. Once completed, both the escape and main tunnels will be fully functional, providing uninterrupted access from Srinagar to Dungaripanth. The project team, including Songda-Ritwik, the company managing the construction, is confident of meeting the project deadlines.
This development adds to the ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure in the region, ensuring better connectivity for locals and boosting economic activities.
