Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s railway network is set for a major transformation. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament that the state has received 18 new train services in the last three years, along with record investments in infrastructure and safety projects.

The minister made these remarks while responding to questions from Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat and Nainital–Udham Singh Nagar MP Ajay Bhatt in the Lok Sabha.

Budgetary Boost

Vaishnaw highlighted that annual expenditure on railway projects in Uttarakhand has risen sharply. Between 2009 and 2014, the average yearly spending was Rs 187 crore. In 2025–26, this figure has jumped to Rs 4,641 crore, representing a nearly 25-fold increase.

New Train Services

Between 2023–24 and February 2026, Indian Railways introduced 18 new train services in Uttarakhand. Vaishnaw said the introduction of new trains depends on route capacity, rolling stock availability, and operational requirements. These services aim to improve passenger convenience and connectivity, especially in hilly regions.

New Railway Lines

As of April 1, 2025, approval has been granted for three new railway lines, either wholly or partially located in Uttarakhand. Together, they span 216 km at an estimated cost of Rs 40,384 crore. Of this, 16 km have already been commissioned, with Rs 19,898 crore spent by March 2025.

Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Project

One of the most significant projects is the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag railway line, covering 125 km across Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli districts. This line will connect religious sites like Devprayag and Karnaprayag with Rishikesh and the National Capital.

The project involves extensive tunnel construction, including 16 main tunnels totaling 104 km and 12 escape tunnels spanning 98 km. So far, 99 km of main tunnels and 94 km of escape tunnels have been completed. Eight access roads have also been built, and eight of 19 major bridges are finished.

Surveys and Bridges

Between 2022–23 and 2025–26, seven surveys covering 441 km have been sanctioned in Uttarakhand. These include three new line projects and four doubling projects. As of February 2026, nine bridges in Uttarakhand have been sanctioned at a cost of Rs158 crore, part of 4,802 bridges approved nationwide.

Station Redevelopment

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 11 stations in Uttarakhand are set for redevelopment. These include Dehradun, Haridwar, Harrawala, and Kashipur. The scheme focuses on modernizing infrastructure, improving waiting areas, and enhancing passenger facilities.

With new trains, railway lines, bridges, and station upgrades, Uttarakhand’s railway network is undergoing rapid modernization. The government’s focus on connectivity and safety aims to make travel easier for passengers and boost tourism and economic growth in the state’s hilly regions.