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Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project Hits 41st Tunnel Breakthrough
Confirmed
In Short: The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of its 41st tunnel, marking progress towards its completion by December 2029.
The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project, a broad-gauge railway line in Uttarakhand, has reached a major milestone with the completion of its 41st tunnel, Escape Tunnel-1, on September 11, 2026. This breakthrough is part of a 125-km railway line being developed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) under the Ministry of Railways at an estimated cost of Rs 37,000 crore.
The project, designed to connect Rishikesh with Karnaprayag through the Himalayan region, includes multiple tunnels, bridges, and viaducts. Escape Tunnel-1, at 10.847 km, is the second-longest tunnel in the project. According to reports, the project has reached 78% physical progress by September 2026, with about 97% of the tunnel excavation completed.
Despite challenging geological conditions, including thick mylonite zones near the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), the project has successfully navigated these complexities. Saleem Ahmad, the CMD of RVNL, highlighted the technical expertise and commitment of all stakeholders involved, stating, 'Successfully completing the excavation and achieving the final breakthrough through such complex geological conditions is a testament to the technical expertise, perseverance, teamwork and commitment of all stakeholders involved.
With five tunnel breakthroughs remaining, the project is expected to complete the remaining sections within the next year. The project is being developed by RVNL, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, and is on track to be completed by December 2029, bringing the much-anticipated Himalayan railway project closer to completion.
What's confirmed
- The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project recorded its 41st tunnel breakthrough on 11 September 2026 with the completion of Escape Tunnel-1.
What's still developing
- The tunnel breakthrough took place in highly tectonised, multi-folded, and extensively faulted rock formations.
- Such projects are planned with escape tunnels, ventilation systems, and drainage arrangements for safety and maintenance.