Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Line Package 2 & 4

The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Line (Packages 2 & 4) is a major Himalayan rail infrastructure project executed under Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). Package 4 comprises a 15.7 km section constructed primarily using hard rock TBMs, supplemented by approximately 2.5 km of NATM works, including a partially underground station. The works form part of a strategically important rail corridor designed to improve connectivity in mountainous terrain and involve extensive long-tunnel construction under demanding geological and access conditions.

All segmental lining was fabricated on site in accordance with the client’s design, requiring stringent quality control, logistics coordination, and installation management. Breakthrough of the Package 4 tunnel was achieved by the end of 2025, and it is recognised as the longest completed rail tunnel in the Himalayan region. The rate of progress and programme delivery marked a major milestone for the Indian construction and tunnelling industry. Andreas Tauschinger served as senior advisor to Larsen & Toubro on tunnelling strategy, programme delivery, and project management.