Char Dham Railway Project will connect the rail link between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag. It is one of the largest and most challenging Railway projects in the Himalayan region.
The Char Dham Railway Project is an initiative in India focused on enhancing rail connectivity to the sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. It aims to reduce travel time, provide all-weather access, boost tourism, and improve safety and comfort. However, it faces environmental concerns due to its impact on the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region.
Char Dham Railway Project Start Date
Char Dham Railway Project was started in May 2017 by the Union Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhu. In January 2018, a reconnaissance survey was completed by a Turkish-Ukrainian company, and track laying began in December 2019. The Char Dham rail circuit aims to facilitate pilgrimages to the renowned Himalayan shrines, including Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath, regardless of challenging weather conditions, as stated by Prabhu. This project’s primary goal is to ensure year-round accessibility and safety for devotees visiting these sacred sites.
Char Dham Railway Project Status
According to Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) officials, 60 percent work of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line, which is a part of the Char Dham Railway Project, has been completed till September 2023. Despite the challenges, the excavation work is achieving a daily rate of 170 meters for tunnel construction. Out of the total 125.2 km rail line, approximately 84% or 104 km will be in the form of tunnels. To guarantee continuous rail operations, especially during adverse weather like heavy rains, all tunnels will be waterproofed.
Char Dham Railway Project Completion Date
According to the sources, the CharDham Railway Project will completed by October 2025. The project was aimed to be completed by 2024. However, the work has been delayed due to Covid. Now, the Railway is working at full speed to ensure that the project gets completed on the new deadline.
Char Dham Railway Project Station List
Under the Char Dham Railway Project, the Rishikesh Karnaprayag Railway line has the following 11 stations: Rishikesh, Shivpuri, Byasi, Devprayag, Maletha, Srinagar, Dhari, Rudraprayag, Gholtir, Gauchar and Karnaprayag.
Saikot Joshimath Badrinath Railway Line has 4 stations Saikot Junction, Tripak, Tartoli and Joshimath.
Karnaprayag Saikot Sonprayag Kedarnath Railway line has 7 stations: Karnaprayag, Siwai, Saikot Junction, Bairath, Chopta, Makkumath and Sonprayag.
Doiwala-Dehradun-Uttarkashi-Maneri Gangotri Railway line has 11 stations Doiwala, Sangatiyawala Khurd, Sarangdharwala, Ampata, Maror, Kandisaur, Chinyalisaur, Dunda, Athali Junction, Ladari and Maneri
Char Dham Railway Project Deadline
Om Prakash Malgudi, the deputy general manager of the project, has stated that the initial completion target for the Chardham Railway project was set for 2024. Unfortunately, due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project’s progress has been delayed.
Char Dham Railway Project Map
Char Dham Railway Project Cost
Char Dham Railway Project Cost is Rs 43,000-crore project to link the four important Hindu shrines in the hills of Uttarakhand. People from all corners of the country aspire to visit Char Dham at least once in their lives. Introducing a railway link in the region will greatly enhance convenience, ensuring pilgrims don’t encounter obstacles such as landslides and adverse weather conditions.
Char Dham Railway Project Route
Chardham Railway Project Route will cover a distance of 327 km. Char dham Railway Project Route is divided into two parts Gangotri–Yamunotri Railway Line and Kedarnath–Badrinath Railway Line. Gangotri–Yamunotri railway line route will cover a distance of 153 km and Kedarnath–Badrinath railway line route will cover a distance of 174 km.
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