UTTARAKHAND (Metro Rail News): Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), under the Ministry of Railways has awarded ₹263 crore contract to Siemens for the overhead rail electrification work of the 102 km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line in Uttarakhand. This was announced on Monday, 13 July 2026 via an official press release by Siemens. The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag line is a new broad-gauge railway totaling 125 km, with extensive tunneling (over 100 km of tunnels) through the Himalayas. It is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve access to Uttarakhand’s religious and tourist destinations.
The scope of work includes supply and installation of Rigid Overhead Catenary Systems (ROCS) and Flexible Overhead Catenary Systems (FOCS) across tunnels, bridges, yards, and open routes. Also includes powering a corridor with 90% tunnels and one nearly 10 km long. The purpose of the electrification is part of the Char Dham Railway Project to provide all-weather connectivity to major pilgrimage sites (Kedarnath, Badrinath, etc.) and boost tourism and economic development in the region.
Mr Rajeev Joisar, CEO – Mobility Business, Siemens Limited, expressed their happiness to partner with RVNL for this prestigious project, which is a significant step towards enhancing sustainable and reliable connectivity in one of the most challenging terrains in India. He further stated that this order further reinforces Siemens’ leadership in advanced rail electrification technologies.
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