On January 11, 2025, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an inspection of the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project in the Chamoli district. He expressed that this project would be a boon for the state, significantly enhancing connectivity for pilgrims and tourists visiting the revered sites of Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Project Overview
During his visit to the project site in Sevai, Karnprayag, the Chief Minister engaged with officials from the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited to discuss the project’s progress, infrastructure facilities, and construction activities. The Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project, spanning 125 kilometers, will include the construction of 16 tunnels and 12 stations, with a target to complete the majority of the work by December 2026.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the dream of extending railway services to the mountains is becoming a reality,” said Chief Minister Dhami.
Key Highlights
- The new rail line will improve accessibility for pilgrims visiting Badrinath and Kedarnath.
- Completion of the 6.3-kilometer escape tunnel from Gauchar to Sevai was achieved on 25th December 2024.
- Main tunnel construction is expected to be completed by March 2025.
- During the inspection, local lawmakers including Karnprayag MLA Anil Nautiyal and Tharali MLA Bhoopal Ram Tamta were present, alongside Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari and Superintendent of Police Sarveysh Panwar, as well as senior officials from Rail Vikas Nigam Limited.
- During his visit, Chief Minister Dhami took the opportunity to meet with workers on site, inquiring about their well-being and working conditions. The interaction underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring a positive work environment for laborers involved in the project.
Future Implications
The Chief Minister emphasized that this rail project would serve as a milestone in Uttarakhand’s development, enhancing not only transportation but also local economic growth. “I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the numerous blessings bestowed upon Uttarakhand,” he added, reiterating the significance of this infrastructure development.
The Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project is poised to transform travel in Uttarakhand, promising to bolster tourism and provide better access to key pilgrimage sites. As the project progresses, the government remains optimistic about its completion goals, aiming to fully operationalize the rail line by 2026.
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