Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Link Project

• 18 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

On 16 April 2025, the Union Railway Minister and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand witnessed the breakthrough program of India’s longest rail tunnel at Janasu, Uttarakhand.  

 Key Points 

• Part of Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Project: 
  • The 14.57-km-long Tunnel 8 lies between Devprayag and Janasu and forms a key part of the 125-km Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Broad Gauge Rail Line. 
  • This project aims to enhance connectivity across five Himalayan districts—Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gauchar, and Karnaprayag. 
  • The project uses Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology for the first time in mountainous regions of India. 
• Technical and Logistical Challenges Overcome: 
  • TBM components weighing 165 MT were transported from Mundra Port across narrow Himalayan roads and old bridges. 
  • The tunnel passes through Seismic Zone IV, demanding advanced design and geological probing due to tectonic activity. 
• Impact and Broader Significance: 
  • Over 83% of the 125-km alignment runs through tunnels, involving a total of 213 km of tunnelling across main and escape routes. 
  • Once completed, the project will reduce travel time, ensure all-weather access, and boost tourism and regional economy in Uttarakhand. 
  • It also represents a major leap toward realising the Char Dham Rail Connectivity Initiative under the government's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. 

 Vision India@2047 

• The Project: 
  • Vision India@2047 is a project initiated by the NITI Aayog, the apex policy think tank of India, to create a blueprint for India’s development in the next 25 years. 
  • The project aims to make India a global leader in innovation and technology, a model of human development and social welfare, and a champion of environmental sustainability. 
• Objectives: 
  • Achieving a USD 30 trillion economy with a per-capita income of USD 18,000-20,000 and strong public finances and a robust financial sector. 
  • Building world-class infrastructure and facilities in both rural and urban areas. 
  • Eliminating unnecessary interference by the government in the lives of citizens and promoting digital economy and governance. 
  • Developing 3-4 global champions in every sector by merger or restructuring and boosting indigenous industry and innovation. 
  • Becoming self-reliant in defence and space sectors and enhancing India’s role in the world. 
  • Fostering green growth and climate action by increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing carbon emissions. 
  • Empowering the youth with skills and education and creating more employment opportunities. 
  • Partnering with foreign R&D organizations to build top 10 labs in the country and bringing at least 10 Indian institutions among the top 100 globally.