India’s Longest Rail Tunnel Nears Completion in Uttarakhand
India’s Longest Rail Tunnel Nears Completion in Uttarakhand
Why in the News ?
The 14.57-km-long Tunnel T-8, part of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line, is nearing completion in Uttarakhand. It is set to become India’s longest transportation tunnel, overcoming significant geological challenges and holds strategic importance for border and pilgrimage connectivity.
Project Overview and Strategic Importance:
- Tunnel T-8, spanning 57 km, is part of the 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project.
- This single-line broad-gauge railway will connect Devprayag to Janasu, with 83% of the route (104 km) comprising tunnels.
- The project covers five districts: Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli.
- Strategically vital for China border logistics and Char Dham Yatra, the line will cut travel time from 7 hours to 2 hours.
Construction Progress and Techniques
- Tunnel T-8 recently achieved breakthrough phase (connectivity from both ends).
- Technologies used include Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) and controlled blasting.
- A TBM from Germany was shipped via Mundra Port, weighing over 200 tonnes.
- Ventilation fans, chiller pipes, and conveyor belts support underground construction.
- Only electrical fittings and track work remain; completion expected by June 2025.
Challenges and Budget Escalation
- Complex Himalayan geology and frequent landslides posed major hurdles.
- Workers use quartzitic phyllite blasting for excavation.
- Originally estimated at ₹16,235 crore, project costs may exceed ₹35,000 crore.
- Over 2,500 workers are employed on-site in tough, remote conditions.
Vision India@2047: Goals for National Transformation●Initiated by NITI Aayog to shape India’s long-term development path. Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Railway: Strategic & Spiritual Lifeline●Connects Rishikesh to Char Dham pilgrimage sites, easing access for lakhs of devotees. |