New Delhi, May 06: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, has taken a significant step toward sustainable infrastructure development by adopting green building concepts for station infrastructure in the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Link project in Uttarakhand.
The initiative marks a major milestone in integrating environmentally responsible practices into large-scale railway infrastructure in ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions.
The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Link is one of Indian Railways’ most ambitious connectivity projects, designed to improve access across key towns including Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gauchar, and Karnaprayag. The project spans 125 km and includes 12 stations across five districts of Uttarakhand.
A defining feature of the project is its engineering complexity, with over 83% of the alignment passing through tunnels. The corridor includes 16 main tunnels, 12 escape tunnels, 19 major bridges, and 38 minor bridges, making it one of the most challenging railway infrastructure projects in the country. Advanced Tunnel Boring Machines are being deployed to navigate the difficult Himalayan geology safely and efficiently.
As part of its sustainability-focused approach, RVNL will construct all proposed station buildings in compliance with Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) standards. The stations will incorporate energy-efficient LED lighting, solar power systems, optimized natural lighting, rainwater harvesting, low-flow water fixtures, eco-friendly materials, and scientific waste management practices. Improved ventilation and enhanced indoor environmental quality will also be key design priorities.
These measures are expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of railway infrastructure while improving passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The initiative also reinforces Indian Railways’ broader commitment to developing environmentally responsible and future-ready infrastructure.
Shri Saleem Ahmad, Chairman & Managing Director, RVNL, stated that the adoption of green building concepts reflects the organization’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that is both technically robust and environmentally sustainable. He emphasized that integrating sustainability into every stage of development is essential, especially in ecologically sensitive regions, and contributes to long-term value creation for Indian Railways.
Beyond environmental benefits, the project is expected to enhance regional connectivity, boost tourism, and support economic development across Uttarakhand by providing all-weather, landslide-resilient rail access.
RVNL, established in 2003, continues to expand its role beyond railway infrastructure into broader sectors including metro projects and international assignments. The organization has completed over 157 projects covering more than 17,000 km and continues to maintain a strong reputation for engineering excellence, timely execution, and nation-building contributions.
