Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Project

The recent tunnel breakthrough of tunnel no. 8 on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway marks achievement for the Indian Railways. This milestone, witnessed by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, puts stress on the ambition of creating India’s longest transport tunnel, spanning 14.58 km. This breakthrough occurred on April 16, 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of the first train journey in India in 1853.

Project Details

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line is a 125.20 km long project. Remarkably, 83% of this route consists of tunnels. The project encompasses 16 main tunnels, 12 escape tunnels, and 19 major bridges across five districts in Uttarakhand. The escape tunnels are crucial for emergency evacuations, ensuring safety during unforeseen incidents.

Tunnelling Techniques

The project utilises advanced tunnelling techniques including Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) and the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). TBMs minimise disturbance to the surrounding environment and reduce construction costs compared to traditional blasting methods. This is the first time TBM has been employed in the challenging Himalayan terrain by Indian Railways.

Geological Challenges

The geological conditions present hurdles. The tunnel primarily traverses the Chandpur Formation, which consists of various rock types including phyllite and quartzite. These heterogeneous conditions complicate excavation efforts and require precise engineering to ensure structural integrity.

Construction Progress

Since 2014, Indian Railways has ramped up tunnelling activities, completing 468.08 km of tunnels, a considerable increase from the previous 125 km. The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag project alone has seen 195 km of tunnelling work completed, with the goal of finalising all tunnelling by December 2025.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The railway line aims to enhance connectivity to remote areas, facilitating access to pilgrimage sites and boosting local economies. However, environmental concerns have been raised regarding the impact of tunnelling in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The project is expected to stimulate tourism and industrial development, ultimately benefiting the region’s economy.

Future Prospects

Once operational, the railway line will reduce travel time and costs, opening up new trade routes and opportunities for the local populace. The railway aims to connect important sites such as Devprayag, Srinagar, and Rudraprayag, enhancing the overall transport infrastructure in Uttarakhand.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically examine the role of infrastructure projects in economic development in India.
2. Discuss in the light of the challenges faced in tunnelling projects in mountainous terrains.
3. What are the environmental implications of large-scale infrastructure projects like the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway?
4. Explain the significance of advanced tunnelling techniques in modern railway construction. How do they compare to traditional methods?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically examine the role of infrastructure projects in economic development in India.

1. Infrastructure projects create jobs, stimulating local economies and reducing unemployment.
2. They enhance connectivity, facilitating trade and reducing transportation costs for goods and services.
3. Improved infrastructure attracts investments, leading to industrial growth and urbanization.
4. Infrastructure development supports tourism, especially in regions with natural or cultural significance.
5. Government initiatives often focus on infrastructure to boost GDP and ensure balanced regional development.

2. Discuss in the light of the challenges faced in tunnelling projects in mountainous terrains.

1. Geological variability complicates excavation, requiring advanced engineering solutions.
2. Logistical challenges include transporting materials and machinery to high-altitude sites.
3. Seasonal weather impacts, such as monsoons, can lead to landslides and road closures.
4. Ensuring safety during tunneling is critical, necessitating escape routes and emergency protocols.
5. Environmental concerns arise from potential disturbances to fragile ecosystems in mountainous areas.

3. What are the environmental implications of large-scale infrastructure projects like the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway?

1. Potential habitat disruption for local wildlife due to construction activities.
2. Increased risk of landslides and soil erosion in fragile mountainous ecosystems.
3. Changes in water flow patterns affecting local rivers and aquatic life.
4. Pollution from construction machinery impacting air quality and local communities.
5. Mitigation measures are essential to balance development with environmental preservation.

4. Explain the significance of advanced tunnelling techniques in modern railway construction. How do they compare to traditional methods?

1. Advanced techniques like TBM reduce environmental disturbance compared to blasting methods.
2. They allow for faster and more efficient tunneling, minimizing project timelines.
3. Advanced methods improve safety by reducing risks associated with traditional excavation techniques.
4. They provide better structural integrity and adaptability to various geological conditions.
5. Cost efficiency is enhanced due to reduced material wastage and lower labor costs over time.