Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project achieves 41st tunnel breakthrough, moves closer to completion

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project has reached another significant milestone with the final breakthrough of Escape Tunnel-1 on September 11, 2026. This marks the 41st tunnel breakthrough, bringing the much-awaited Himalayan railway project closer to completion. Developed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) under the Ministry of Railways, the project is estimated to cost Rs 37,000 crore.

Once finished, the railway line will enhance rail connectivity in Uttarakhand and make travel to the Himalayan region more accessible. Escape Tunnel-1, the second-longest in the project at 10.847 km, had to be built through challenging geological conditions, including highly tectonized rock formations and mylonite zones near the Main Boundary Thrust. Despite these difficulties, the project has achieved 78% overall progress, with around 97% of the tunnel excavation completed.

RVNL Chairman and Managing Director Saleem Ahmad stated that the project will not only improve access to the Himalayan region and support the Char Dham pilgrimage corridor but also strengthen border connectivity, boost tourism, and reduce travel time in the area. The railway line, sanctioned in the 2010-11 Union Budget, includes 16 main tunnels (104 km) and 12 escape tunnels (98 km), with completion targeted for December 2029.