For decades, the idea of a train reaching the heart of Chamoli seemed like a dream. But if you have driven past Srinagar or Rudraprayag recently, you know the dust and drilling are real. As of January 2026, the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Line is 65% complete. While official timelines say 2028, critical milestones are happening this year. Here is the verified ground report.
| Feature | Current Status (Jan 2026) |
| Project Progress | 65% Complete (201km of 213km Tunnelling Done) |
| Expected Trial Run | Late 2027 / Early 2028 |
| Full Commercial Ops | December 2028 (Revised from 2026) |
| Route Length | 125 km (105 km inside tunnels) |
| Travel Time | 2.5 Hours (Currently 6-7 Hours by Road) |
| Main Station | Sewai (Simli), not Karnaprayag Main Market |
The Station List (The “Where” Query)
“The train won’t stop everywhere. Here are the 12 finalized stations. Note that ‘Karnaprayag Station’ is actually located in Sewai Village, about 7km approx before the main town.”
- Yog Nagari Rishikesh (Operational)
- Shivpuri
- Byasi
- Devprayag
- Srinagar (Maletha)
- Rudraprayag (Sumerpur)
- Gauchar
- Karnaprayag (Sewai/Simli)
Ticket Price Estimates (The “Cost” Query)
“While official fares are not out, analysts estimate the pricing based on standard Indian Railway mountain route gauges:”
- General/Second Seating (2S): ₹85 – ₹120
- Sleeper (SL): ₹190 – ₹250
- AC Chair Car / 3rd AC: ₹550 – ₹700
- (Compare this to the ₹800 taxi fare from Rishikesh to Karnaprayag—the train is a game changer for budget travelers.)
- The official pricing of the tickets will be disclosed when the project will be in the final stage we will update the pricing as per the Indian Railway official announcement.
“Planning to visit before the train starts? Check our guide on How to Reach Karnaprayag by Bus/Taxi for current road options.”
