The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag New BG Rail Line project, spearheaded by RVNL, is set to enhance rail connectivity across five districts in Uttarakhand. Spanning 125.20 km, the project includes 11 stations and 213 km of tunnel work, aiming to provide seamless access to Char Dham pilgrimage centres and boost regional economic growth.
More Details:
The railway line will connect major towns like Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gauchar, and Karnaprayag. This project is a significant milestone for Uttarakhand, bringing rail connectivity to the state’s remote hinterland for the first time. It will not only provide easier access to the Char Dham pilgrimage centres but also help in developing new trade centres and serving the local population more effectively.
Key Progress Updates:
- Station Construction: The project involves the construction of 11 stations.
- Tunnel Work: 176 km of tunnel work has already been completed out of a total of 213 km.
- Commissioning Timeline: The section from Yog Nagari Rishikesh to Karnaprayag is scheduled for completion by December 2024.
- 1st Block Section: A 5.7 km block section between Virbhadra and Yog Nagari Rishikesh stations was commissioned in March 2020.
To expedite the project, tunnel work has been divided into 10 packages, ensuring timely execution. The modern and sustainable Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station stands as a model of eco-friendly infrastructure, featuring sunlit spaces and resource-conserving designs.
Engineering Excellence: Rail Bridge No. 8
- A highlight of this project is the construction of Rail Bridge No. 8, a highly challenging structure.
- This bridge, located on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag route, consists of two piers with a span length of 3×90 metres.
- The piers, standing at an impressive height of 40 metres, were constructed using the Slip Form Shuttering technique, ensuring high precision and safety.
- While the substructure work on the bridge has been completed, the superstructure is currently under construction.
Conclusion:
With the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line set for completion by December 2024, Uttarakhand is poised to witness unprecedented connectivity improvements. This ambitious project not only enriches access to pilgrimage sites but also promises to drive regional development, enhancing trade, tourism, and overall infrastructure in the state.
Source: MoR | Images Credit: MoR
