The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag New Broad Gauge Rail Line Project has achieved a major engineering milestone with the final breakthrough of Escape Tunnel-1. The 10.847-km tunnel is now connected end-to-end, becoming the second-longest tunnel on the project and taking the total number of tunnel breakthroughs to 41.

The breakthrough was achieved despite challenging geological conditions along the alignment. The entire stretch of Escape Tunnel-1 passes through highly tectonised, multi-folded and extensively faulted rock formations, with thick mylonite zones associated with the proximity of the Main Boundary Thrust.

The 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag broad-gauge rail project is being executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and involves complex tunnelling works through the Himalayan terrain. The project is aimed at improving rail connectivity in Uttarakhand while strengthening access to the Garhwal region.

The latest milestone highlights the engineering expertise and advanced construction techniques being deployed to overcome geological challenges and develop critical railway infrastructure in difficult terrains.