The Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail corridor is fast taking shape in Uttarakhand, promising to redefine the state’s socio-economic fabric. Spanning 125.20 kilometres, this ambitious railway line is among India’s most technically challenging infrastructure undertakings, with over 83 per cent of its route constructed through tunnels.
This engineering feat is not just about overcoming topography—it symbolises access, development, and a more inclusive future for the people of the Garhwal region.
The scale of construction tells its own story. A network of 16 main tunnels, covering 104 kilometres, along with 12 escape tunnels and 7.05 kilometres of cross-passages, is being built to carve a path through the Himalayas. One tunnel alone measures 14.58 kilometres in length, making it among the longest railway tunnels in the country and a testament to India’s evolving railway capabilities.
This monumental effort is not limited to tunnelling. The rail link also features 14 rail bridges, with five classified as major or critical. These include the awe-inspiring Gauchar Bridge, which towers at nearly 47 metres, and the Srinagar Bridge, spanning a striking 489 metres. Complementing these are six road bridges, two overbridges and 38 minor bridges, making this a comprehensive transit network rather than a single rail line.
Twelve new stations along the corridor are being developed to offer local access points, positioning the route not only as a passenger rail but as a catalyst for tourism, pilgrimage, and employment. This integration of multimodal infrastructure demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable, accessible growth for remote communities.
More than just a project of steel and stone, the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail link is being viewed as a new foundation for Uttarakhand’s future. The line is poised to drastically cut travel times, offering a reliable and eco-sensitive alternative to road travel in a region often marred by landslides and unpredictable weather. It also addresses longstanding mobility issues for residents and boosts religious tourism to Kedarnath, Badrinath, and other sacred sites.
The state leadership has positioned the initiative as one of historic importance. The Chief Minister recently described the rail link as the foundation stone of Uttarakhand’s development, stating that every tunnel and bridge represents a dream of progress being fulfilled under the larger vision of national connectivity. With the first phase slated for completion by the end of 2026, the project is being tracked as a critical deliverable for the state and central governments alike. At its core, this rail project signals more than just faster journeys. It is about building resilience, ensuring equitable access to opportunity, and connecting one of India’s most sacred and scenic regions with the rest of the country in a way that respects both people and the planet.
