Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project Phase 1 to Be Ready by 2026

13 Jan 2025 CW Team

The first phase of the ambitious Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project is set for completion by the end of 2026, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Saturday during his visit to the project site at Karnaprayag-Simai.

Highlighting the challenges of constructing tunnels in the hilly terrain, Dhami emphasised the rapid progress of the 125 km rail project, which includes 16 tunnels and 12 stations. He called it a "milestone for Uttarakhand's development" and noted its potential to transform connectivity, boost tourism, and facilitate the Chardham pilgrimage.

Project officials reported significant progress, including the recent breakthrough of a 6.3 km escape tunnel between Bhattnagar (Gauchar) and Sewai on December 25. The breakthrough of the 6.2 km main tunnel is expected by March 2025, with only 695 meters remaining.

Construction of a railway station in Sewai and bridges—both road and rail—are also underway. Once operational, the rail line is expected to enhance employment opportunities and underline Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to Uttarakhand’s development.

Dhami, in the region to rally support for BJP candidates in the upcoming urban local body elections, reaffirmed the project’s significance in improving access to the mountains and advancing economic growth in the state.

(Business Standard)

Infrastructure Urban

08 Sep 2025

DRDO Transfers Key Defence Materials Tech to Industry

The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) of DRDO in Hyderabad has transferred three advanced indigenous materials technologies to leading Indian industry partners, marking a major step towards self-reliance in strategic defence manufacturing. The Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) documents were handed over by Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, at a ceremony held at DMRL on 30 August 2025.The transferred technologies include:High-Strength Radomes: Transferred to BHEL, Jagdishpur, this technology enables the manufacture of high-p..

Coal Ministry Honours Top Mines for Safety and Sustainability

The Ministry of Coal hosted the Star Rating Award Ceremony in Mumbai to recognise outstanding coal and lignite mines for their achievements in safety, environmental responsibility, scientific operations, and community welfare. Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy, accompanied by Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey and Secretary Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, presented the accolades.The awards celebrate mines that have demonstrated excellence across key parameters such as safety, productivity, scientific mining, environmental stewardship, and socio-economic impact. The Minister ..

Modi Highlights Decade of Bold Economic Reforms

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to economic reforms over the past decade, highlighting transformative measures that have redefined India’s fiscal structure and enhanced its global economic position.Citing major initiatives such as corporate tax cuts to encourage investment, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to unify the national market, and reforms in personal income tax to improve Ease of Living, Modi emphasised that the reform agenda has consistently been citizen-focused and pro-growth.He welcomed the ongoing #NextGe..