Larsen & Toubro Completes India's Longest Rail Tunnel in Uttarakhand
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has completed a 14.57 km stretch of India's longest rail tunnel between Devprayag and Janasu in Uttarakhand, part of the 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Link Project. The upline tunnel was finished 12 days early on April 16, 2025, while the 13.09 km downline tunnel was completed on June 29, 2025. This project, set for commissioning by December 2026, marks the first use of tunnel boring machines for a railway project in the Himalayas, with 70% of the work done by these machines and 30% by drill-and-blast method.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a leading Indian multinational conglomerate, has achieved a significant milestone in the construction of India's longest rail tunnel. The 14.57 km stretch between Devprayag and Janasu in Uttarakhand has been completed ahead of schedule, marking a major advancement in the country's infrastructure development.
Project Details
The tunnel is a crucial component of the 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Link Project, which is being executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited. This ambitious project is targeted for commissioning by December 2026, with the recent tunnel completion representing a significant step towards meeting this deadline.
Technical Achievements
Two tunnel boring machine operators from L&T demonstrated exceptional skill and perseverance in completing this challenging project. They overcame extreme conditions, including a massive landslide that blocked the machine 3.5 km inside the mountain, showcasing L&T's technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities.
Timely Completion
The project has seen impressive progress:
- The upline tunnel, measuring 14.57 km, was completed on April 16, 2025, an impressive 12 days ahead of schedule.
- A parallel 13.09 km downline tunnel achieved breakthrough on June 29, 2025.
Project Scope and Technology
The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Link Project involves approximately 30 km of total tunnelling work. The construction methodology breakdown is as follows:
Method | Percentage |
---|---|
Tunnel boring machines | 70% |
Drill-and-blast method | 30% |
This project marks a significant milestone as it represents the first deployment of tunnel boring machines for a railway project in the Himalayas, highlighting L&T's role in introducing advanced construction technologies to challenging terrains.
Implications for Infrastructure Development
The completion of this tunnel ahead of schedule not only demonstrates L&T's efficiency and technical prowess but also contributes significantly to India's infrastructure development, particularly in the strategically important and geographically challenging Himalayan region. This achievement is expected to boost connectivity and economic development in Uttarakhand and surrounding areas.
As the project progresses towards its 2026 completion target, it stands as a testament to India's growing capabilities in executing complex infrastructure projects in difficult terrains, with L&T at the forefront of this technological and engineering advancement.
Historical Stock Returns for Larsen & Toubro
1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
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+0.31% | -0.10% | +2.00% | +6.79% | +0.46% | +306.55% |