India has completed its longest double rail tunnel, spanning 14.58 km, on the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag railway line in Uttarakhand. Constructed using advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) named ‘Shiv’ and ‘Shakti’, the project marks a major leap in rail connectivity for five hilly districts.

Key Highlights:

• The 14.58 km-long Tunnel T-8 between Devprayag Saud and Janasu is now India’s longest double rail tunnel, built as part of the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag railway line.
• It is the first time Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) have been used for railway construction in the Himalayan region.
• The project will enhance connectivity to five districts: Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli.
• The new rail line will significantly reduce travel time from 6–7 hours by road to around 2 hours by train.
• This tunnel is part of a strategic infrastructure push to support Char Dham connectivity, boost tourism, and improve disaster resilience in Uttarakhand.