Cavity occurs in Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project tunnel, no casualties

Dehradun: A cavity developed inside Tunnel-13 of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway project in Rudraprayag district on the night of April 6–7, officials said, adding no casualties or damage were reported.The cavity, approximately 2.5 m wide and 3-4 m long on the roof of the tunnel, formed on a geologically vulnerable stretch, a senior Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) official told TOI. As a precaution, workers had already been evacuated..The incident occurred around 11 pm near chainage 96 -- about 96 m from the Narkota portal -- inside the escape tunnel of the 9.25-km-long structure connecting Narkota and Sumerpur.Officials said water seepage during recent rains might have contributed to the incident.

Lining work was on at the escape tunnel, which has a diameter of 4.6 m, when the incident happened.Authorities said such incidents are not uncommon during tunnelling in fragile Himalayan terrain.Excavation of the main tunnel excavation has been completed and finishing work is underway. Of the total 16 tunnels planned under the project, 13 have already been completed.Officials said corrective measures are being taken in accordance with prescribed safety protocols.

The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway project is 125 km long in Uttarakhand, and will improve access to the Char Dham pilgrimage route. The project includes 16 major tunnels spanning over 100 km and more than 19 large bridges. Once completed, it is expected to reduce travel time between the two locations significantly.