The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project is progressing steadily, with most of the tunnel construction nearing completion. The project, which primarily consists of tunnels, includes 16 main line tunnels spanning 105 kilometers and 12 rescue tunnels covering 98 kilometers. So far, nine main line tunnels totaling 94 kilometers and eight rescue tunnels covering over 88 kilometers have been completed.

According to Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided this update in response to his query in the Parliament. Bhatt had inquired about the progress of tunnel construction and the expected completion timeline of the project. The Railway Minister confirmed that over 90% of the tunnel work has been completed. The total length of the rail project is 125 kilometers, and to accelerate the construction, eight access points have been marked in different tunnels, providing additional excavation areas.

Expansion of National Highways in Uttarakhand

In response to another question by MP Bhatt, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, shared details about the expansion of national highways in Uttarakhand. He revealed that the total length of national highways in the state has increased significantly from 2,282 kilometers in 2014 to 3,664 kilometers at present. Additionally, the 24-meter span Bailey bridge at Shyampur near Rishikesh on National Highway-58 has been successfully widened and completed.

New Rail Connectivity Plans for Char Dham Route

MP Bhatt emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, significant progress is being made in connecting Badrinath and Kedarnath via the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project. He further mentioned that a survey is currently underway for a rail line to Gangotri. Additionally, the people of the Yamunotri region have long demanded a railway survey in their area. He urged the central government to take necessary steps to extend railway connectivity to Yamunotri as well.

This railway expansion aligns with the government’s broader vision of enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in Uttarakhand, particularly for pilgrimage routes, benefiting both residents and tourists.