Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project Targeted for December 2029 Completion
A new railway is being built between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag in Uttarakhand.
It is expected to be finished by December 2029.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited is developing the 125-kilometre project.
The project is expected to cost Rs 37,000 crore.
Officials say 78 per cent of the work is complete.
Nearly all of the tunnel digging, about 97 per cent, has been finished.
The railway should make it easier to travel into the Himalayan region.
It may also help pilgrims, tourists, border connectivity, and local businesses.
The 125-kilometre Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway project is targeted for completion by December 2029.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited is developing the project at an estimated cost of Rs 37,000 crore.
RVNL Chairman and Managing Director Saleem Ahmad said the project is 78 per cent complete overall.
About 97 per cent of the project’s tunnel excavation has been completed.
The railway is expected to improve Himalayan access, support the Char Dham corridor, strengthen border connectivity, and boost tourism and local economies.
- Who
- Rail Vikas Nigam Limited is developing the project; RVNL Chairman and Managing Director Saleem Ahmad provided the progress update.
- What
- A 125-kilometre railway line connecting Rishikesh and Karnaprayag is being built.
- When
- The project is targeted for completion by December 2029.
- Where
- The line is in Uttarakhand and will improve access to the Himalayan region.
- Why
- It is intended to improve rail connectivity, support the Char Dham pilgrimage corridor, strengthen border connectivity, reduce travel time, and support tourism and local economies.
- Project
- Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway project
- Length
- 125 kilometres
- Target completion
- December 2029
- Estimated cost
- Rs 37,000 crore
- Overall progress
- 78 per cent
- Tunnel excavation
- Approximately 97 per cent complete
- Developer
- Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways