Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Railway Project Targets

Why in News?

• The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Railway Project in Uttarakhand is in the news as RVNL has set December 2029 as its target for completion. 
• The 125-km railway line, being built at an estimated cost of ₹37,000 crore, has achieved around 78% overall progress, with nearly 97% of tunnel excavation completed.

About Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Railway Project

The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Railway Project is a 125-km railway line being constructed to improve connectivity in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.

• The project was sanctioned in the Union Budget 2010–11. 
• It is being implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). 
• The railway line passes through five districts — Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag and Chamoli. 
• It will connect Rishikesh with Karnaprayag and improve access to important places such as Devprayag. 
• The project will provide better connectivity for pilgrimage, tourism and local communities in Uttarakhand.

Tunnel Construction

Since the railway passes through the mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand, tunnels form a major part of the project.

• 16 main tunnels — total length of about 104 km. 
• 12 escape tunnels — total length of about 98 km. 
• Around 101 km of main tunnels have been excavated. 
• Around 95 km of escape tunnels have been excavated. 
• Nearly 97% of overall tunnel excavation has been completed. 
• Escape tunnels will provide a safe evacuation route during emergencies.

Bridges and Access Roads

• The project includes 19 major bridges, of which 11 have been completed. 
• Construction work on the remaining 8 bridges is underway. 
• 8 access roads, with a combined length of around 5 km, have been built to reach difficult construction sites in the mountainous terrain. 
• All 8 access roads have been completed, helping speed up construction work.

Why is the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Railway Important?

1. Better Connectivity: It will improve rail connectivity between Rishikesh and the Himalayan districts of Uttarakhand. 
2. Char Dham Pilgrimage: It will make travel towards the Char Dham pilgrimage region easier and faster. 
3. Tourism Boost: Better connectivity will support religious and Himalayan tourism in Uttarakhand. 
4. Local Economy: The project can create opportunities for local businesses, employment and economic activities. 
5. Reduced Travel Time: It will significantly reduce travel time between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag. 
6. Strategic Connectivity: Better transport infrastructure will strengthen connectivity towards Uttarakhand’s border and remote Himalayan areas.

About Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)

• Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Railways. 
• It was established in 2003 to accelerate the development of railway infrastructure in India. 
• It undertakes projects such as new railway lines, track doubling, railway electrification, major bridges and metro infrastructure. 
• RVNL was granted Navratna status in 2023. 
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

Conclusion

The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Railway Project will significantly improve connectivity in Uttarakhand’s Himalayan region. Once completed, it will reduce travel time, support Char Dham tourism, boost the local economy and improve connectivity to remote and strategically important areas.

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