The Ministry of Railways recently provided a significant update on the highly anticipated Rishikesh-Karnaprayag New Broad Gauge (BG) Rail Line project, which promises to revolutionize connectivity in Uttarakhand’s Devbhoomi region.
The project, estimated to cost over Rs 16,200 crore, aims to connect Rishikesh, in the foothills, to Karnaprayag. This rail line will traverse five districts within Uttarakhand: Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli.
Spanning 125.20 kilometers, this project is set to enhance access to the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites and boost infrastructure in these key districts of the state.
Of the 125.2 km rail line, 104 km will run through tunnels, comprising approximately 84 percent of the total length. The project includes a total of 17 tunnels, one of which is 15.1 km long—making it one of the longest tunnels in the country, located between Devprayag and Lachmoli.
As part of broader safety initiatives, the Railway Board has directed all zones to monitor technical inputs generated by the ‘Data Logger’ system. This advanced device plays a critical role in preventing collisions by continuously recording and analyzing various technical parameters, ensuring the safety of trains along the route.
According to the Ministry’s latest updates, substantial progress has been made in both tunnel construction and station development. Of the planned 213 kilometers of tunnels, 176 kilometers have already been completed.
Additionally, the development of 11 stations along the route is well underway, promising a more streamlined and efficient travel experience for both pilgrims and locals.
The stations en route include Yog Nagari Rishikesh in Rishikesh, Muni Ki Reti, Shivpuri, Manjilgaon, Sakni, Devprayag, Kirti Nagar, Srinagar, Dhari Devi, Rudraprayag, Gholtir, and Karnaprayag.
Transforming Char Dham Connectivity
Once fully operational, the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line will transform travel to the Char Dham, making these sacred destinations more accessible to devotees.
In addition to religious tourism, the project is expected to drive economic and infrastructural growth across the region by improving rail connectivity in the five districts it traverses.
Upon the completion of this ambitious project, both residents and pilgrims will benefit from faster, more reliable transportation options, marking a new era of growth and development for the Devbhoomi region.