Two-Hour Rishikesh to Karnaprayag Journey: A New Chapter in Indian Railways
The journey from Yog Nagari Rishikesh to Tap Nagari Karnaprayag is soon going to take just two hours. Indian Railways has achieved a historic breakthrough in the construction of the country’s longest railway tunnel, thanks to the blessings of ‘Shiv’ and ‘Shakti’ in Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods). Spanning over 125 kilometers, the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project is set to redefine Uttarakhand’s natural beauty, sacred sites, and spiritual significance.
Millions of pilgrims travel each year to visit the Char Dham—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. However, due to the tough terrain and limited connectivity, they have long faced major challenges. To overcome these and link remote regions of Uttarakhand to the national rail network, the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project was launched. Once completed, this project will fulfill the long-awaited wish of uninterrupted access to the Char Dham for millions of devotees.
Engineering Feat in the Heart of the Himalayas
Located in Seismic Zone IV, this project navigates through geologically sensitive terrain. A key highlight is the 14.577 km-long railway tunnel between Devprayag and Janasu, the longest railway tunnel in India. On April 16, 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the breakthrough of Tunnel T-8, a significant engineering milestone.
Out of 38 planned tunnel breakthroughs, 28 have been completed. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with full operations likely by mid-2027.
Modern construction methods, including the use of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), have played a key role in accelerating progress. In August 2024, TBMs named ‘Shiv’ and ‘Shakti’ set a record by excavating 1080.11 running meters of tunnel in just one month. Another marvel of this project is Rail Bridge No. 8, showcasing state-of-the-art engineering.
Bridging Yoga and Tapasya
The 125.2 km broad gauge railway line will connect Rishikesh to Karnaprayag and is a vital component of Indian Railways’ Char Dham Railway Project, which aims to connect all four sacred pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. The total estimated cost of the project is over ₹16,000 crore.
What makes it unique is that 83% of the route passes through tunnels, consisting of 17 main tunnels and 12 escape tunnels, with a combined tunnel length of 213 km, of which 193 km has already been constructed.
Connecting 5 Key Districts
Currently, the road journey from Rishikesh to Karnaprayag takes 6–7 hours, often longer due to landslides and weather-related delays. With this rail line, the same trip will be completed in approximately 2 hours, making it faster, safer, and more reliable for pilgrims, tourists, and locals alike.
Since 83% of the track passes through tunnels, the line will remain largely unaffected by heavy rainfall, snowfall, or landslides, ensuring year-round connectivity for Char Dham travelers.
The project will directly connect five districts of Uttarakhand: Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli. Cities and towns like Rishikesh, Muni ki Reti, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gauchar, and Karnaprayag will be accessible via train. This will enhance access to healthcare, education, employment, and markets for remote hill communities.
Economic and Social Impact
The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project is poised to boost tourism in Uttarakhand. Along with the Char Dham pilgrimage, destinations like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Auli will become more accessible, supporting local businesses, hospitality, and transport sectors.
Towns such as Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Gauchar are expected to see increased economic activity and job opportunities for local residents. The broader Char Dham Rail Project aims to eventually link Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath via the Indian railway network.
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