In a significant step towards improving rail connectivity in the hill state, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has issued tenders for the construction of eight new stations on the Rishikesh to Karnaprayag railway line. The tenders were released on Wednesday and cover development works under packages two and three of the ambitious project.
Our correspondent reports that under package two, stations will be built at Devprayag, Janasu, Maletha and Srinagar. Package three includes Dhari Devi, Tilni, Gholtir and Gauchar. The total cost for these packages has been pegged at around 289.61 crore rupees. Package two is estimated at 163.45 crore rupees while package three is projected to cost 126.16 crore rupees.
The tenders are open until 28 October and will be formally opened on 21 November. Officials have indicated that work on these stations is expected to begin in January 2026, following the completion of contract awards and mobilisation of resources.
Our correspondent adds that a separate tender for the Karnaprayag terminal station is also in the pipeline. This tender will be released on 20 November and construction is expected to commence by June 2026. Plans for the terminal include 26 railway lines to handle both current requirements and future expansion.
The Rishikesh to Karnaprayag rail project is considered a cornerstone of Uttarakhand’s infrastructure development. Stretching across 126 kilometres of difficult Himalayan terrain, the line involves the construction of multiple tunnels and bridges. Once completed, the route will cut travel time and provide reliable rail access to the upper districts, improving connectivity for pilgrims, tourists and local residents alike.
Our correspondent reports that construction has already been completed at Virbhadra and Yog Nagari Rishikesh stations, both of which are operational. Work is ongoing at Shivpuri and Vyasi, while tunnel excavation continues along several challenging stretches of the alignment. Some tunnels exceed six kilometres in length, highlighting the technical complexity of the undertaking.
Our correspondent adds that the release of tenders for eight more stations signals the acceleration of the project. Authorities within Rail Vikas Nigam Limited have emphasised timely contractor selection, adherence to safety and environmental standards, and efficient management of construction activities across the difficult terrain.
Local communities have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the new stations will bring economic opportunities. Business owners anticipate improved access for trade, while tourism operators believe that easier connectivity will attract more visitors to destinations along the route. Residents also expect the project to create local employment both during construction and in the operational phase.
The state government has consistently highlighted the Rishikesh to Karnaprayag line as a transformative project for Uttarakhand. By linking remote towns with rail infrastructure, the initiative is expected to reduce dependence on road transport that is frequently disrupted by landslides and heavy rains. Officials believe the new line will not only strengthen economic activity but also improve disaster response capabilities in the region.
With tenders released and timelines set, attention now shifts to execution. The coming year will be critical in determining whether the ambitious targets for station construction and project milestones can be met, laying the foundation for a new era of connectivity in Uttarakhand.
