Rishikesh Karnaprayag Railway Line Project

In a major boost to pilgrimage connectivity, partial train services on the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail route are expected to begin soon, marking a significant milestone in India’s ambitious Char Dham railway project. The 125-km line—currently under construction in Uttarakhand—is designed to bring rail access closer to key religious hubs, making the journey easier, faster, and more accessible for millions of devotees.

The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag railway line is part of the larger Char Dham rail network aimed at connecting Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Despite engineering challenges like seismic zones and tunneling in mountains, work is progressing steadily, with completion targeted in the coming years

• Partial operations are expected to begin soon on completed sections

• The full project spans around 125 km through challenging Himalayan terrain

• A majority of the route runs through tunnels and bridges due to difficult geography

How will the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line transform the Chardham Yatra?

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line is set to transform the Chardham Yatra by providing a safer, faster, and more convenient alternative to the challenging mountainous road routes. Spanning approximately 125 kilometres, this project is a crucial component of the initiative to connect the Chardham circuit by rail, making the sacred shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath more accessible to a wider number of devotees.

• Improved Accessibility for Vulnerable Groups: The rail line is expected to be particularly beneficial for elderly travellers who often face significant difficulties navigating the steep and rugged Himalayan terrain by road.

• Reduced Travel Time: Once fully operational, the railway will significantly reduce the time required to reach important points along the Chardham route.

The ₹26,841 crore Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project is designed to transform travel across the 125-kilometre stretch. Considered one of India’s most challenging infrastructure undertakings, the line will feature an extensive tunnel network, with 105 kilometres of the 125-kilometre route passing underground. Key technical milestones include:

• Tunnel Progress: Breakthroughs have been achieved in 28 out of 38 planned tunnels.

• India’s Longest Tunnel: The completion of Tunnel T-8, the longest railway tunnel in the country, represents a major engineering feat in the Himalayan region.

• Excavation Status: Approximately 160 kilometres of total tunnel excavation (including main and exit tunnels) has been completed out of a total planned 213 kilometres.
  

While partial services are imminent, the entire railway line is slated to be fully operational by December 2027 or 2028. Currently, between 60% and 76% of the project budget has been utilized, with work advancing rapidly on bridges, track cuttings, and railway stations. Supporting infrastructure, such as motor bridges in Srinagar Garhwal, Gochar, and Kaleshwar, has already been completed to facilitate access to the new stations.

The project, a "dream" initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to make the pilgrimage safer and faster, particularly for elderly travellers who struggle with the difficult mountainous roads. Beyond the Yatra, the rail network is expected to strengthen connectivity for various towns across Uttarakhand, driving local economic development and tourism. Once tunnelling is finalised, Indian Railways plans to use metro-style track technology to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through the heart of the mountains.

Source 1 - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222278&reg=3&lang=2

Source 2 - https://www.news18.com/cities/dehradun/chardham-yatra-train-update-partial-services-on-rishikesh-karnaprayag-line-to-begin-soon-ws-l-9956381.html