CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
On April 16, 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a major breakthrough in India's railway infrastructure the successful excavation of the nation’s longest rail tunnel at Janasu in Uttarakhand. This accomplishment is part of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Broad Gauge Rail Link Project and marks a significant engineering feat on the same day India celebrated 172 years since its first train journey.
About Rail Project
The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line stretches 125 km, of which 104 km about 83% runs through tunnels. A major highlight of this project is Tunnel No. 8, a twin tunnel with a total length of 14.57 km. While one tunnel has now been completed, the parallel tunnel is expected to be finished by July 2025. The railway line is designed to connect important towns across Uttarakhand, significantly improving regional mobility.
Advanced Tunneling Technology
For the first time in India’s railway history, a tunnel boring machine (TBM) named ‘Shakti’, sourced from Germany, has been used in a hilly region for railway tunneling. This method minimizes ecological disruption compared to conventional blasting techniques. Additionally, the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) has been employed for precision in excavation under complex conditions.
Overcoming Geological Barriers
Building the tunnel through the Himalayan terrain posed serious challenges due to its placement in Seismic Zone IV. Engineers navigated through varying rock strata, requiring real-time geological monitoring and structural adaptability.
Logistics And Transport Hurdles
Transporting heavy machinery and materials, some weighing up to 165 metric tonnes, was another challenge. These were delivered from Mundra port through the narrow, winding roads of the Himalayas. Seasonal hazards like landslides and road closures further complicated operations.
Strategic Importance Of Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Line
Religious Connectivity - The new railway will facilitate easier access to the Char Dham pilgrimage sites — Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri benefitting thousands of pilgrims.
Reduced Travel Time - The rail line will cut travel time between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag from 6–7 hours by road to approximately 2 hours by train.
Construction Progress - As of early 2025, over 70% of the project has been completed, with full operation targeted by December 2026.
Boost to Tourism and Jobs - This infrastructure is expected to attract both religious and eco-tourism while creating employment during and post-construction.
Disaster Preparedness - The railway will offer a safer alternative to road travel in an area prone to landslides and flash floods.
Engineering Marvel - The project showcases India's growing capability to execute large-scale infrastructure while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Looking Ahead
Upon completion, the rail link will feature 12 stations, 16 major tunnels, and 19 large bridges, spanning five districts. Tunneling is slated to finish by December 2025, followed by track-laying and electrification. This transformative initiative is expected to significantly upgrade Uttarakhand's transport network and support its economic growth.
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