Uttarakhand To Convert Rail Escape Tunnels Into Parallel Roads

18 Feb 2026 CW Team

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has described the scheme as a decisive turning point for the state and has underlined its potential to boost the mountain economy, tourism and national security. The administration is seeking to integrate the rail project with local livelihoods and disaster management by creating multi purpose infrastructure that can serve both emergency relief and routine commuter traffic. Infrastructure experts consulted by the state regard the concept as innovative and likely to deliver long term benefits for remote communities.

The project also includes a plan to transform railway stations into cultural hubs that reflect regional heritage and support local artisans. Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj has indicated that stations are being themed around local deities and historical figures to provide pilgrims with a spiritual ambience while promoting traditional crafts. Named stations include Shivpuri, Devprayag and Srinagar among others and planned designs aim to link transit facilities with cultural promotion.

Attention is shifting to the Tanakpur–Bageshwar rail link and the state will press the Central Government to designate that line a National Project to secure funding and administrative support. Three survey routes are under consideration to extend connections across the Kumaon region and to address geographic challenges. Officials expect the combined rail road and cultural tourism approach to create local employment and reduce out migration from mountain districts.

The Rishikesh–Karanprayag rail project is approaching completion and is positioned as a major connectivity initiative for the Char Dham pilgrimage and the Himalayan state. The Uttarakhand government is developing plans to repurpose safety escape tunnels built alongside the main rail tracks into functional parallel roads to augment local mobility. Officials view the conversion as a strategic measure to provide alternative routes and enhance resilience against landslides and other natural hazards. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has described the scheme as a decisive turning point for the state and has underlined its potential to boost the mountain economy, tourism and national security. The administration is seeking to integrate the rail project with local livelihoods and disaster management by creating multi purpose infrastructure that can serve both emergency relief and routine commuter traffic. Infrastructure experts consulted by the state regard the concept as innovative and likely to deliver long term benefits for remote communities. The project also includes a plan to transform railway stations into cultural hubs that reflect regional heritage and support local artisans. Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj has indicated that stations are being themed around local deities and historical figures to provide pilgrims with a spiritual ambience while promoting traditional crafts. Named stations include Shivpuri, Devprayag and Srinagar among others and planned designs aim to link transit facilities with cultural promotion. Attention is shifting to the Tanakpur–Bageshwar rail link and the state will press the Central Government to designate that line a National Project to secure funding and administrative support. Three survey routes are under consideration to extend connections across the Kumaon region and to address geographic challenges. Officials expect the combined rail road and cultural tourism approach to create local employment and reduce out migration from mountain districts.

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