Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 25, Indian conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has achieved a breakthrough on India’s longest railway tunnel, a 14.5km-long structure known as Tunnel Number 8, connecting Devprayag and Janasu in Uttarakhand. This tunnel is a key component of the 125km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Broad Gauge Rail Link, developed for Rail Vikas Nigam, a state-owned railway company.

Devprayag in Uttarakhand, where the mouth of the tunnel is located

The breakthrough was accomplished using a single-shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) named Shakti, featuring a 9.11m-diameter bore head, the largest TBM deployed in the Himalayan region. Shakti excavated 10.4km of the tunnel, with the remaining portion completed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. SV Desai, L&T’s director of civil infrastructure, stated: “This is a significant breakthrough in one of the most challenging terrains, reflecting strong collaboration with the client.”

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail link will connect Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gauchar, and Karnaprayag across five Himalayan districts in Uttarakhand. Once operational, it will reduce travel time between these locations from seven hours to two, enhancing connectivity and supporting tourism and economic growth in the region.

L&T’s expertise in the project builds on its prior work on the rail line’s second package, which involved excavating 26.6km of tunnels, constructing two railway bridges, one road bridge, and embankments. The company’s experience in navigating the complex Himalayan terrain has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.

The Tunnel Number 8 breakthrough marks a significant advancement in India’s railway infrastructure, particularly in the challenging Himalayan landscape. The project is expected to improve access to key destinations in Uttarakhand, fostering economic opportunities and facilitating easier travel for residents and visitors alike.

L&T’s successful deployment of the Shakti TBM highlights the company’s technical capabilities and commitment to delivering critical infrastructure projects. The rail link, once completed, will serve as a vital artery for the region, promoting sustainable development and strengthening connectivity across Uttarakhand’s mountainous districts.

By integrating advanced tunnelling technologies and collaborating closely with Rail Vikas Nigam, L&T is contributing to the modernization of India’s railway network. The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag line is poised to transform regional transportation, offering a faster, more efficient travel option that supports Uttarakhand’s economic and tourism aspirations.