In a major milestone for the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Broad Gauge Rail Line, the first breakthrough of the 14.57-km-long Saud–Janasu tunnel was successfully completed on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The breakthrough was achieved in the presence of Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Garhwal MP Shri Anil Baluni at the Janasu end of the tunnel.
The feat was accomplished using the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Shakti’, which pierced through the final rock barrier of the main tunnel. A second TBM, named ‘Shiva’, continues excavation work on the parallel tube and is expected to achieve breakthrough by July 2025.
As the TBM broke through the final layer, the atmosphere on-site turned jubilant. Engineers, workers, and officials erupted in celebration—embracing, cheering, and chanting “Vande Mataram”, marking the moment with national pride and emotion.
Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw personally visited the site to witness the breakthrough and reviewed ongoing construction activities. He commended the efforts of the teams involved, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and resilience in navigating complex geological conditions.
The Saud–Janasu tunnel forms a critical component of the 125-km Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail project, which aims to enhance connectivity across five districts of Uttarakhand—Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gauchar, and Karnaprayag. The alignment traverses challenging Himalayan terrain, with over 83% of the route passing through tunnels.
This breakthrough is not only a testament to engineering excellence but also a reflection of the Government of India’s commitment to developing robust infrastructure and improving access to remote regions of the country.
