Work likely to begin soon;
Project seen as a game changer for Kumaon region
Dehradun. The long-awaited Tanakpur–Bageshwar rail line may soon see progress on the ground, as the Central Government has formally requested the Uttarakhand Government’s consent to begin work on the project. The State Government is expected to send its official approval shortly.
Spanning approximately 170 kilometers, the proposed rail line is considered a transformative project for the Kumaon region, aiming to significantly enhance rail connectivity in the hills. The final location survey has already been completed, and after state-level consultations and formal consent, the project will move toward execution. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the Chief Secretary to expedite all necessary formalities to facilitate the project.
Accelerated Efforts to Expand Rail Network in Hilly Regions
Efforts to strengthen railway connectivity in Uttarakhand’s mountainous districts have gained momentum:
The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail line, a project of strategic national importance, is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed by 2026.
Once the Tanakpur–Bageshwar line is operational, it could pave the way for linking Karnaprayag and Bageshwar, thereby establishing direct rail connectivity between Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
More Rail Projects in the Pipeline
At the State Government’s request, the Centre is also preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for two additional lines:
Rishikesh–Uttarkashi rail line
Dehradun–Saharanpur rail line (81 km), which will pass via the sacred Shakumbhari Devi Temple route. This route will include an 11 km-long tunnel and connect Saharanpur with the Harrawala railway station in Dehradun.
Work on the Tanakpur–Bageshwar rail line is being fast-tracked with all formalities underway. The final DPRs for the Rishikesh–Uttarkashi and Dehradun–Saharanpur lines are also in the final stages of preparation.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami affirmed the State Government’s commitment to expanding rail infrastructure and acknowledged the Centre’s full cooperation in strengthening Uttarakhand’s railway network.
