Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Project Achieves Breakthrough With India’s Longest Tunnel At 14.58 Km

WOWLY- Your AI Agent May 04, 2026 410 Views

Tunnel-8 of the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail project has officially become India’s longest railway tunnel, stretching 14.58 km between Devprayag and Janasu in Uttarakhand. This engineering feat is part of the ₹37,000 crore, 125-km rail line expected to transform connectivity to the Char Dham pilgrimage by 2028.

The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag broad-gauge rail project, executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) with Larsen & Toubro as a key contractor, has achieved a breakthrough with Tunnel-8. This milestone is being hailed as a landmark in Indian railway engineering and a lifeline for Uttarakhand’s tourism and pilgrimage economy.

Engineering Achievement

Tunnel-8 spans 14.58 km, making it longer than the Pir Panjal tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir (11.2 km). Engineers employed a combination of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) and the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) to navigate the fragile Himalayan terrain. The tunnel is equipped with double-line capacity, modern drainage systems, ventilation shafts, and emergency escape passages, ensuring safety and durability.

Environmental And Design Considerations

Nearly 83% of the rail route is underground, minimizing ecological disruption in the sensitive Himalayan landscape. The project also incorporates green station designs following IGBC standards, reflecting a balance between infrastructure development and sustainability.

Socio-Economic Impact

Once completed, the rail line will reduce travel time between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag from seven hours to two hours, boosting tourism and facilitating seamless access to Char Dham shrines like Badrinath and Kedarnath. The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and strengthen regional connectivity.

Key Highlights

•⁠ ⁠Tunnel-8 of Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail project is India’s longest at 14.58 km

•⁠ ⁠Built using TBMs and NATM to tackle Himalayan terrain challenges

•⁠ ⁠83% of the 125-km route is underground to minimize environmental impact

•⁠ ⁠Project cost: ₹37,000 crore; completion target: December 2028

•⁠ ⁠Travel time between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag to reduce from 7 hours to 2 hours

•⁠ ⁠Expected to boost Char Dham pilgrimage, tourism, and local employment

Sources: The New Indian Express, Larsen & Toubro, HelloRail

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