The highly ambitious Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project in Uttarakhand is progressing steadily towards completion, with the first trial run expected in June 2028 and full operations likely by 2029. The railway line is set to change travel in the Himalayan state by improving connectivity, boosting tourism and strengthening access to India’s border regions. Here’s everything you need to know.
Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Line To Begin By 2029
According to reports by NDTV, the first trial run on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line will take place between Shivpuri and Byasi around June 2028, while the whole project is expected to be completed by 2029. Once completed, the 125-km railway line will cut the travel distance between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag from the current 173 km by road to 125 km by rail. The route is anticipated to make travel to popular pilgrimage destinations such as Kedarnath and Badrinath much faster and more accessible, while also supporting development across Uttarakhand’s remote mountain regions.
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The project features 12 new railway stations, around 16 tunnels, and nearly 35 bridges. Around 85% of the railway line will pass through tunnels and bridges due to the tough Himalayan terrain.
Project To Boost Tourism & Pilgrimage Travel
O.P. Malgudi, Deputy General Manager of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project, told the portal that nearly 75% of the construction work has already been finished. The project is being constructed using advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) to ensure a safe and effective excavation while reducing the environmental impact. The tunnels are being equipped with modern features, including double-line width, ventilation systems, drainage networks and emergency escape passages.
Additionally, the longest tunnel on the route, measuring 14.58 km, is being developed between Devprayag and Janasu, while the shortest tunnel is around 200 metres long.
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Apart from enhancing tourism and pilgrimage travel, the railway line is expected to improve the movement of essential supplies and defence logistics to areas near the India-Tibet-China border, making it one of Uttarakhand’s most significant infrastructure projects in recent years.
Well, it’s good news for pilgrims!
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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Is there a train from Rishikesh to Karnaprayag?
There is currently no operational train running between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag.