Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project Now Expected to Open by December 2028

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project completion is delayed to December 2028. This is later than the earlier 2026 target.
By Newsroom | Transport, India |

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway project, a significant infrastructure development in Uttarakhand, India, has seen its projected completion date revised. Officials now indicate that the project is anticipated to be operational by December 2028. This extension follows earlier projections and is attributed to the complexities inherent in constructing a broad-gauge railway line through challenging Himalayan terrain. The project, vital for enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in the region, involves extensive tunneling and bridge construction.

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line is a new broad-gauge route intended to link Rishikesh with Karnaprayag.

  • The total length of the line is approximately 125 kilometers.

  • It is planned to feature 13 to 17 railway stations along its path, serving districts like Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli.

  • The project's estimated cost has varied, with figures ranging from Rs 16,216 crore to approximately Rs 24,600 crore.

  • Key engineering challenges include constructing 17 tunnels and 35 bridges, some of which are exceptionally long.

  • The tunneling work has predominantly employed the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), a technique suited for variable geological conditions.

Project Timeline and Target Adjustments

Initial plans and recent updates reveal a shifting timeline for the project's completion.

  • In late 2024, officials suggested the line might be operational by the end of 2026.

  • By November 2025, reports indicated a pushback of the deadline to 2028.

  • The Chairman and Managing Director of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), Saleem Ahmad, conducted a review in early February 2026 and subsequently set the 2028 commissioning target.

Engineering and Construction Progress

The construction involves substantial tunneling and excavation, with significant progress reported across various segments.

  • Approximately 201 kilometers of tunneling work out of a total of 213 kilometers has been completed.

  • As of late 2025, around 10 kilometers of excavation remained pending across three specific tunnel sections.

  • Multiple tunnel packages, contracted to firms like Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Navayuga Engineering Company (NEC), Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL), and Hindustan Construction Company – Dilip Buildcon Ltd., are at various stages of completion.

  • The project also includes the construction of a 9.8-kilometer escape tunnel for safety.

Project Scope and Significance

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line is designed to be more than just a transportation route; it carries significant strategic, religious, and economic implications.

Read More: UK Government Gives £14 Billion for Welsh Rail, Seven New Stations Coming

Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project likely to be completed by December 2028, says RVNL CMD - 1

  • It aims to improve connectivity to key pilgrimage sites and tourist destinations in Uttarakhand.

  • The project is expected to boost the region's economy by facilitating easier movement of goods and people.

  • Its construction in a seismically active and high-altitude region is considered a benchmark in Himalayan engineering.

Tunneling and Excavation Status

The completion of tunneling remains a critical path for the project.

  • Eleven tunnels exceed 6 kilometers in length.

  • Several long tunnels, such as Tunnel No. 08 (15.1 km) and Tunnel No. 01 (10.85 km), are part of the contracted packages.

  • While most tunnels have been pierced, six breakthroughs, including for main tunnels and escape passages, were still pending as of November 2025.

  • The remaining excavation work is concentrated in specific tunnel sections, suggesting focused efforts are required to finalize these segments.

Station Development and Tendering

Development extends beyond the main line to include station infrastructure.

  • 13 to 17 railway stations are planned along the route.

  • Construction has commenced on two more stations, indicating ongoing station development.

  • Tenders are being issued for various packages, including those covering stations like Dhari Devi, Tilni, Gholtir, and Gauchar, with an estimated cost of Rs 126.16 crore for one such package.

Geological and Technical Challenges

The Himalayan environment presents unique obstacles for such a large-scale infrastructure project.

  • The region's variable geological conditions necessitate advanced tunneling methods like NATM.

  • Construction takes place in a high-altitude, seismically active zone, demanding robust engineering and safety protocols.

  • Project reviews have included discussions on geological challenges and adherence to safety practices.

Expert Insights and Official Statements

Statements from RVNL officials underscore the project's ongoing nature and the commitment to its completion.

"The project will transform connectivity in the region, linking major cities like Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gauchar, and Karnaprayag." - Ajit Yadav, Chief Project Director (cited in Article 7).Saleem Ahmad, RVNL CMD, conducted a comprehensive review in February 2026, focusing on construction progress, geological challenges, tunneling milestones, and safety protocols, setting the 2028 commissioning target.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project continues to progress, albeit with a revised timeline. The current target for commissioning is December 2028. With approximately 10 kilometers of excavation remaining across specific tunnel sections and ongoing station development, the focus remains on overcoming the inherent geological and engineering complexities of the Himalayan terrain. The project's completion is anticipated to significantly enhance regional connectivity, foster economic activity, and improve access to important religious and tourist sites in Uttarakhand.

Key Information Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line be finished?
The project is now planned to be finished and open by December 2028. This is a change from earlier plans to finish it sooner.
Q: Why is the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project taking longer?
Building the railway through the difficult Himalayan mountains is very hard. There are many tunnels and bridges to build, which causes delays.
Q: Who will be affected by the new Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line?
People in Uttarakhand, especially in the districts of Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli, will be affected. It will make travel easier and help businesses.
Q: What is the latest progress on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project?
Most of the tunneling work is done, but about 10 kilometers of digging is still needed in some tunnel parts. Work is also happening on the 13 to 17 planned train stations.
Q: How much is the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project costing?
The cost has changed over time, with estimates going from about Rs 16,216 crore to around Rs 24,600 crore.
Q: What are the main challenges in building the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway?
The main challenges are building through the high mountains, which have unstable ground and are in an area that can have earthquakes. This needs special building methods for tunnels and bridges.