The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Tunnel Project has achieved a major breakthrough in Segment 8 with the completion of tunneling for the 7-km-long T15 main tunnel between Gholtir and Gauchar. Executed by MEIL using advanced tunneling techniques, this milestone brings India’s first-of-its-kind rail tunnel project closer to enhancing connectivity to the Char Dham sites.
Engineering Feats and Project Scope:
- Segment 8 of the project includes two tunnels spanning over 13.5 kilometers, two escape tunnels, 45 cross passages, and three bridges.
- The excavation of the second tunnel and its corresponding escape tunnel is also advancing steadily.
- Executed by MEIL, this project marks India’s first-of-its-kind rail tunnel, designed with cutting-edge engineering solutions.
- Advanced tunneling methodologies, including the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), are being used to navigate the young and complex Himalayan terrain.
- These precision techniques are ensuring efficient and safe tunnel construction.
Boost to Char Dham Connectivity:
Upon completion, the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line will significantly improve connectivity to Uttarakhand’s revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. The project is expected to facilitate safer and smoother travel for millions of devotees and tourists while enhancing regional infrastructure.
Conclusion:
The successful breakthrough at the T15 tunnel marks a crucial step in the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Project’s journey toward completion. With cutting-edge engineering and strategic planning, the project promises to transform travel in Uttarakhand, ensuring seamless rail connectivity to the Char Dham sites and strengthening India’s Himalayan transport network.
Source: MEIL – Press Release | Images Credit: MEIL
