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Uttarakhand Has India’s Longest Rail Tunnel, Tunnel 8, On The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Line

The 14.57 km tunnel marks a major milestone in India's mountain railway engineering.

by Siddhi Tendulkar
Uttarakhand Has India’s Longest Rail Tunnel, Tunnel 8, On The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Line

Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone with the completion of Tunnel 8, now recognised as India’s longest rail tunnel. Located in Uttarakhand, this tunnel forms a crucial part of the ambitious Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project, aimed at enhancing connectivity in the Himalayan region.

Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project: A Game-Changer For Uttarakhand

Tunnel 8 stretches across 14.577 kilometres and runs between the Devprayag and Janasu stations. Built using the advanced New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), it traverses through some of the most challenging terrain in the Himalayas. The successful execution of this tunnel marks a huge step forward in India’s mountain railway capabilities.

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project is one of the most ambitious railway ventures in the country. Spanning approximately 125 kilometres, it is designed to connect remote towns in Uttarakhand and improve access to key pilgrimage sites such as Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Also Read: Uttarakhand’s Ganga And Sharda Rivers To Get Upgraded Ghats & Modern Facilities To Boost Spiritual Tourism

Tunnel 8 is considered the crown jewel of this route. Its completion is expected to cut travel time significantly and provide an all-weather transport option. Once operational, the entire line will bring comfort, convenience, and safety to thousands of locals and tourists.

Making Travel Safer And Smoother In The Himalayas

The region frequently suffers from landslides, roadblocks, and harsh weather conditions. The new railway line, with Tunnel 8 at its heart, will offer a safer and more reliable alternative.

Also Read: Uttarakhand’s Ganga & Sharda Rivers To Get Upgraded Ghats And Modern Facilities To Boost Spiritual Tourism

For pilgrims heading towards Char Dham, this will be a much-needed upgrade in terms of accessibility. The tunnel will also support the movement of goods and services, helping the local economy thrive.

Sustainable And Environment-Friendly Development

Indian Railways has prioritised eco-conscious construction throughout the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project. Engineers took special measures to protect local water bodies and forest land, boring the tunnel with minimal disruption to nature.

Plans are also in place to electrify the route, making it cleaner and more energy-efficient. Tunnel 8’s successful completion reflects how modern engineering can align with environmental sustainability.

Also Read: Uttarakhand: Stay On A Floating Cruise On Tehri Lake, Amidst Luxury, Serenity, And Himalayan Views!

With the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project progressing rapidly, Tunnel 8 stands as a proud symbol of innovation and progress, connecting communities, boosting tourism, and paving the way for a greener, safer future.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro

First Published: April 17, 2025 12:31 PM