India’s longest rail tunnel

India has achieved a major engineering milestone with the completion of its longest rail tunnel, stretching 14.57 km between Devprayag and Janasu in Uttarakhand.

This tunnel is part of the 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Link Project, designed to improve connectivity in the Himalayan region

Key Highlights • The tunnel was constructed using a state-of-the-art Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) named 'Shakti', marking the first time TBM technology has been used for railway tunneling in India's mountainous terrain.

• The tunnel is part of a broader effort to reduce travel time between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag from seven hours to just two hours.

Significance of the Project • Enhances rail connectivity in Uttarakhand, benefiting pilgrims traveling to Char Dham. • Boosts economic growth and tourism in the region.