Uttarakhand Pushes Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Project for On-Time Completion.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently met a delegation led by Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar at the Chief Minister’s residence, where discussions were held on expanding railway infrastructure and accelerating ongoing rail projects in the state.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, the meeting covered detailed deliberations on current railway projects, future requirements, and the overall strengthening of rail connectivity in Uttarakhand.

Dhami said improved railway infrastructure would significantly contribute to the state’s development by boosting tourism, pilgrimage, investment and local economic activity. He described the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Project as one of the most ambitious and strategically important projects for Uttarakhand, stressing the need for its completion within the stipulated timeline. He added that the project would enhance safe, modern and convenient travel for pilgrims and tourists visiting the Char Dham shrines, including Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the proposed Tanakpur–Bageshwar Rail Project. The Railway Board Chairman informed that both the survey and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project have already been completed. Dhami expressed hope that substantial progress would be visible by November 2026.

The Chief Minister also urged the Railways to expedite work on the Karnaprayag–Bageshwar and Kichha–Khatima rail line projects, citing their importance for balanced regional development and future connectivity needs.

Emphasising the growing importance of tourism and pilgrimage in the state, Dhami said railway stations across Uttarakhand should be upgraded with modern passenger facilities. He noted that key stations such as Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Roorkee in the Garhwal region, along with Haldwani, Kathgodam, Ramnagar and Tanakpur in Kumaon, serve as major entry points to the state and require enhanced infrastructure.

With upcoming large-scale religious gatherings such as the Kumbh and Kanwar Melas, the Chief Minister also called for special arrangements at Haridwar, Rishikesh and Roorkee stations to manage the expected surge in pilgrims. He said coordinated efforts between the Railways and the state government would ensure safer and more comfortable travel.

Dhami further stressed the need to advance the doubling of the Haridwar–Dehradun rail line, stating that modernisation and expansion of the railway network would unlock new opportunities in investment, trade, tourism and employment.

Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar assured that all issues raised during the meeting would be examined seriously and necessary action would be taken.