Transforming Uttarakhand’s Future

Project Overview To connect the state’s remote hinterlands directly by rail, marking a new chapter in regional connectivity and development.

 

– May also serve as the main feeder route for any future Chardham connectivity.
– The project spans 125 kms connecting Rishikesh with Karnaprayag. – To serve five districts—Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudrapray
ag, and Chamoli—making travel easier for thousands of people living in these areas.
– The project comprises 12 new stations, 16 main tunnels, 28 overall tunnels with a cumulative tunnel length including main tunnels, escape tunnels, cross passage etc. of 213 kms., and 19 major rail bridges, making it one of the most challenging and complex railway projects currently underway in India.
– A major part of this railway—about 104 km – will run through tunnels which is around 83% showing how challenging the construction work is in this mountainous region.
– 12 railway stations planned on this route. These include newly opened Yog Nagari Rishikesh, and upcoming stations at Shivpuri, Byasi, Devprayag, Janasu, Maletha, Ranihat Naithan (Srinagar), Dhari Devi, Tilani, Gholtir, Gauchar, and Karnaprayag.

Recent Milestones

Breakthrough achieved in country’s longest transportation tunnel (14.57 km) on this line

– On April 17, 2025, RVNL achieved the Breakthrough of 14.57 km tunnel (T-8) in Uttarakhand using TBM Shakti as part of this iconic project. This historic Breakthrough was witnessed by Hon’ble Railway Minister Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Sh. Pushkar Singh Dhami, in presence of CMD RVNL, Sh. Pradeep Gaur among other key railway officials. This is country’s largest transportation tunnel.

– In addition, a Breakthrough has also been achieved of T3 (6.67 km) between Gullar and Byasi under Package – 2 on June 6, 2025.

Recent Milestones and Progress

– The first block section, a 5.7-kilometer stretch between Virbhadra and Yog Nagri Rishikesh, was successfully completed and commissioned in 2020.
– Out of the 16 main tunnels planned, which together make up about 104 km of the railway route, excavation work has been completed for 12 tunnels covering around 96 km which is 92%. This means nearly all the tunnelling work has been done. Additionally, finishing work like lining the tunnel walls has been completed on 82 km of the route.
– 08 out of the 19 major rail bridges have been completed, ensuring vital connectivity across difficult river crossings and valleys.

HimalayasinfrastructurerailwaysUttarakhand