Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) marked a significant milestone in the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail link by completing a 9.44 km twin tube tunnel for Rail Vikas Nigam Limited. Overcoming harsh weather and complex terrain, MEIL demonstrated engineering excellence in this critical project, enhancing connectivity to Uttarakhand’s revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Engineering Achievement in Harsh Conditions:
MEIL’s accomplishment is noteworthy, not only due to the tunnel’s length but also the challenging environment of high altitudes, severe weather, and complex geological factors in the Himalayan region. The T-13 tunnel completion brings the total tunnelling length of segment 7B to 19.7 km, a key milestone in the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail link.
Project Significance and National Impact:
This project is strategically important, aiming to provide robust, all-weather connectivity to Uttarakhand’s Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Additionally, it strengthens connectivity to border areas, supporting national interests. Segment 7B, which includes Tunnel 13, spans from Narkota to Tilani Yard (Sumerpur) in Rudraprayag district and features two parallel tunnels—one main and one escape tunnel.
COO Stated:
Mr. G Srinath Reddy, Chief Operating Officer, Tunneling & Underground Projects, MEIL said “The tunnel will enhance the commutation from Rishikesh to Karnaprayag and facilitate Pilgrims of Chardham Yatra. It also boosts the Tourism, Trade and economy of the Uttarakhand State. We are very happy to be part of this developmental project for strengthening the nation’s growth.”
Tunnel Construction and Methodology:
Work on Tunnel-13 began in August 2020, right after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. MEIL undertook this difficult alignment, which passes through areas with low overburden zones, using controlled blasting and mechanical excavation methods. The tunneling operation was divided across eight excavation faces, leveraging advanced New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) technology to handle fragile Himalayan geology.
Engineering Feats and Safety Standards:
Constructing tunnels in the Himalayas is fraught with geological and environmental challenges. MEIL adhered to international safety protocols and adopted eco-friendly engineering practices throughout the project. Their dedicated team achieved remarkable daily, weekly, and monthly tunneling progress, setting new benchmarks within the project.
Key milestones during the construction of Segment 7B include:
- Daily Progress: 60 metres in a single day
- Weekly Progress: 414.9 metres
- Monthly Progress: 1,220.9 metres
- Total Tunnel Length: 19.7 km completed with an average progress rate of 7.54 metres per day
Conclusion:
MEIL’s completion of Tunnel T-13 on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Project represents a triumph of engineering over adversity. This breakthrough contributes to a future of seamless, year-round connectivity to Uttarakhand’s sacred Char Dham sites and border regions, fulfilling a critical national infrastructure need in the challenging Himalayan landscape.
Source: MEIL – Press Release | Images Credit: MEIL
