India’s Longest Rail Tunnel Breakthrough Achieved in Uttarakhand by RVNL

A major milestone has just been achieved in India’s railway history – and it’s underground. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a public sector arm under the Ministry of Railways, has successfully completed the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) breakthrough of Tunnel-8, part of the 125-km Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Broad Gauge Rail Link Project in Uttarakhand.

Why does this matter?

Because Tunnel-8 is now officially India’s longest railway tunnel – stretching an impressive 14.57 km, carved through the mountainous terrain between Devprayag Saud and Janasu. And this isn’t just another rail project – it marks the first time India has used TBM technology for rail tunneling in hilly regions.

The TBM used for this job, aptly named ‘Shakti’, is a single-shield rock machine with a 9.11-meter diameter. The breakthrough is not only an engineering feat for India but also a global benchmark in mountain tunneling.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called it a proud moment for the country, saying:

This 14.57-km-long railway tunnel is the longest in India. This is not just the story of a tunnel—it’s the start of a more connected, faster India.

So, what will change

Once completed, the Rishikesh to Karnaprayag journey will shrink from seven hours to just two. For the people of Uttarakhand, this means better access to the rest of India. And for the country, it shows how modern infrastructure is reaching even the toughest terrains.

This tunnel isn’t just concrete and rock. It’s a symbol of progress, and a reminder that even in the most challenging landscapes, India is digging deep and moving forward.