The Ministry of Railways has provided a significant update on the highly anticipated Rishikesh-Karnaprayag New Broad Gauge (BG) Rail Line project, which is set to transform connectivity in Uttarakhand’s Devbhoomi region. With an estimated cost of over Rs 16,200 crore, this monumental project will link Rishikesh in the foothills to Karnaprayag, traversing five districts: Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli.
Spanning a distance of 125.20 kilometres, the project is poised to enhance access to the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites—Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri—while simultaneously boosting infrastructure in the five key districts. This rail line is expected to ease travel for thousands of pilgrims and tourists who visit the region every year, as well as provide new economic opportunities for local residents.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the project is its extensive use of tunnels. Out of the 125.2 kilometres, approximately 104 kilometres—about 84 per cent of the total length—will run through tunnels, making it a feat of engineering in the rugged Himalayan terrain. The project includes 17 tunnels, with the longest being an impressive 15.1 kilometres, stretching between Devprayag and Lachmoli. This tunnel will be among the longest in the country, marking a major milestone in Indian railway engineering.
Progress report on tunnel and station development
The Ministry’s latest update highlights significant progress in both tunnel construction and station development. Of the total planned 213 kilometres of tunnels, 176 kilometres have already been completed, signalling that the project is well on track despite the geographic and technical challenges involved.
Station development along the route is also advancing rapidly. Eleven stations are planned, each designed to provide a more efficient and comfortable travel experience for pilgrims and local commuters alike. These stations include key stops such as Yog Nagari Rishikesh, Muni ki Reti, Shivpuri, Manjilgaon, Sakni, Devprayag, Kirti Nagar, Srinagar, Dhari Devi, Rudraprayag, Gholtir, and the final destination, Karnaprayag.
Incorporating the latest in railway safety, the Railway Board has directed all zones to monitor the technical inputs generated by the ‘Data Logger’ system, an advanced device designed to record and analyse technical parameters. This system will play a critical role in preventing collisions and ensuring the safety of trains along the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag route.
Transforming Char Dham connectivity and regional development
Once completed, the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line is expected to revolutionise travel to the Char Dham, making these sacred pilgrimage sites far more accessible to devotees. Currently, the journey to these sites is long and arduous, often requiring extensive road travel through winding mountain passes. The new rail line will cut down travel time significantly, offering faster, more reliable transportation to one of India’s most spiritually significant regions.
The project’s benefits extend beyond religious tourism. Improved rail connectivity is expected to spur economic growth and infrastructural development across the region. The five districts the line traverses—each historically and culturally rich—are likely to experience an uptick in local business, hospitality services, and employment opportunities as a result of the improved transport links.
In addition to boosting tourism and economic activity, the rail line will provide a critical lifeline for residents of these districts, offering them better access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities in larger urban centres like Dehradun and Rishikesh.
New Era for Devbhoomi
The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line is set to usher in a new era for Uttarakhand’s Devbhoomi region, balancing tradition with modernity. Once operational, this rail link will symbolise a confluence of religious significance, modern engineering, and regional development.
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