The much-anticipated Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line, a flagship project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to become operational by December 2026, with 60% of its budget already utilized, officials announced on Friday.
Spanning 125.2 kilometers, the rail line holds immense religious, cultural, and economic significance for Uttarakhand. “This project will transform connectivity in the region, linking major cities like Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gauchar, and Karnaprayag,” said Chief Project Director Ajit Yadav during a press conference.
The railway line will traverse 12 stations across the districts of Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli. It aims to enhance access to Uttarakhand’s pilgrimage destinations and bolster the state’s tourism and economy.
The ambitious project includes 17 tunnels, with one stretching 15.1 kilometers, and 19 railway bridges over rivers. So far, five major bridges have been completed, and the rest are expected to be ready by 2025. Of the 38 breakthroughs planned for the project, 28 have already been achieved, with the remainder scheduled for completion by March 2025.
The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line is expected to revolutionize transportation in the region, providing faster and safer travel options for locals and tourists while fostering economic growth and regional development.