• By Akansha Pandey
  • Thu, 20 Nov 2025 02:37 PM (IST)
  • Source:Jagran News Network
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Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has revised the completion target for the strategically vital Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project. According to the new schedule, the train is expected to reach Karnaprayag by December 2028. This marks an extension from the previous deadline, which had aimed for completion by December 2026.

The project holds significant strategic importance as it will connect the districts of the Garhwal division to the national railway network. To meet the new 2028 target, construction work ranging from tunnels to station infrastructure is being executed rapidly.

Status Of Tunnel Construction

While the final project completion is set for 2028, a specific deadline of December 2026 has been set to achieve the breakthrough of the remaining tunnels.

Work Remaining: Approximately 10 kilometres of excavation work remains pending across three specific tunnel sections.

Scope: This involves a total of six breakthroughs (comprising both main and escape tunnels).

Pending Sections: The tunnels yet to be bored through are located between Dhalwala to Neergaddu, Kaudiyala to Shivmurti (near Teen Dhara), and Narkota to Gholtir.

Progress: All other tunnels in the project have already achieved breakthrough.

Station Development And Tender Updates

The project encompasses the construction of 13 railway stations.

Operational: Virbhadra and Yognagri Rishikesh stations are complete, with trains currently operating from these locations.

Under Construction: Work is currently in progress at the Shivpuri and Byasi railway stations.

Package Two (Tendering Phase): Technical tenders have been completed for Devprayag, Janasu, Maletha, and Srinagar stations. Financial tenders are pending. These stations will be built at a cost of Rs 163.45 crore.

Package Three (Tendering Phase): This includes Dhari Devi, Tilni, Gholtir, and Gauchar stations, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 126.16 crore.

Karnaprayag Station: The tendering process is underway for the project's largest station at Karnaprayag, which will feature 26 railway lines.

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Project Statistics At A Glance

  • Total Cost: Rs 16,216 crore.
  • Timeline: Work commenced in 2019.
  • Total Length: 126 km.

Tunnel Network: 105 km of the line will pass through 16 tunnels.

Key Tunnels:

  • Longest: 14.08 km (Devprayag to Janasu).
  • Shortest: 200 metres (Sewai to Karnaprayag).
  • 11 tunnels exceed 6 km in length.

Official Statement

Deputy General Manager (Civil), RVNL OP Malgudi states, "A deadline of December 2028 has been set for the completion of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project. Efforts are underway to complete the work within this timeframe. A total of six breakthroughs are to be made in three tunnels, which include main and escape tunnels. Construction work on two more stations has begun. The tender process for the remaining stations is ongoing." 

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