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Construction of 2-Lane Tunnel between Sonprayag (NH-107) and Kalimath (SH-96) including Approach Road up to Chunni Bend on NH-107A in Uttarakhand.

Location

The project is located in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, covering the Sonprayag- Kalimath region. The project commences at Sonprayag on NH-107 and terminates near Chunni Bend on NH-107A, passing through Kalimath. The existing distance from Sonprayag to Kalimath is approximately 38 km via Guptkashi and Ukhimath. The surrounding area is characterized by forested terrain with the Mandakini River owing nearby.

Figure: Project Start Location near Sonprayag

Figure: Project End Location near Chunni Bend

Background and Problem Statement

The project area is currently served by two existing road corridors. NH-107 provides connectivity between Rudraprayag and Sonprayag and is developed as a two-lane carriageway. The road from Chunni Bend, a hairpin bend located on NH-107A, to Chaumasi via Kalimath is a State Highway with a single-lane carriageway, having an approximate length of 23 km. At present, pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath Dham access the route via NH-107 up to Sonprayag. Over the last 2-3 years, the annual pilgrim footfall has been approximately 19 lakh, with an average daily traffic volume of around 2,000 PCU. With the commissioning of rail connectivity up to Rudraprayag, a significant reduction in overall travel time is anticipated, which is expected to lead to a substantial increase in pilgrim in ow. Based on conservative growth assumptions, the annual pilgrim traffic by the year 2040 is projected to exceed 40 lakh, with corresponding traffic volumes of approximately 4,300 PCU per day. The existing single-lane road from Chunni Bend to Kalimath is inadequate to handle projected traffic growth. With annual pilgrim traffic projected to reach 40 lakh by 2040 (from current 17.68 lakh), the infrastructure upgrade is critical for safe and efficient movement.

Project Concept and Need

The project aims to reduce travel distance and provide all-weather connectivity between Sonprayag and Chunni Bend via tunnel construction. Key objectives include decongesting the Sonprayag area, accommodating increasing traffic volumes, improving regional accessibility, and ensuring pilgrim safety during adverse weather conditions when existing roads are susceptible to landslides. Figure: Key Map

Strategic Importance

  • A. Pilgrimage Connectivity Sonprayag is a major transit point for Kedarnath Temple (Char Dham). Kalimath is a sacred site dedicated to Goddess Kali. The tunnel will drastically improve pilgrimage access and safety during peak seasons and adverse weather.

  • B. Disaster Management Post-2013 floods highlighted the need for resilient infrastructure. The tunnel provides a reliable all-weather route and alternative evacuation corridor during landslides or floods common in Himalayan terrain.

  • C. Economic Development Improved connectivity will boost tourism, generate employment through hotels and homestays, and improve access to education and healthcare for remote villages.

  • D. National Importance The project supports the Char Dham all-weather road initiative and enhances strategic mobility in border-sensitive Uttarakhand.

Traffic Analysis and Projections

Table: Kedarnath Pilgrimage Traffic Projections

Year Pilgrims (Lakh) PCU/Day
2023 19.61 2200
2024 16.52 1807
2025 17.68 1927
2030 25.00 2731
2035 32.00 3496
2040 40.00 4366

With rail connectivity to Rudraprayag, pilgrim inflow is projected to reach 40 lakh by 2040 (conservative 5% growth rate). This exponential growth necessitates enhanced infrastructure to accommodate increasing traffic safely and efficiently.

Alignment Options Analysis

Figure: All Tentative Alignment Options

Table: Comparative Analysis of All Alignment Options

Geological and Geotechnical Considerations

The project area features highly rugged topography with moderate to steep slopes and narrow valleys. Major peaks include Kedarnath (6,940 m), Sumeru Parvat (6,350 m), and Bhart Khunta (6,578 m). The Mandakini River is the principal drainage, owing through a north-south basin sustained by glacial melt. The region falls in Seismic Zone-VI (very high seismic risk) due to ongoing Indian-Eurasian plate collision. Rudraprayag experiences an average of 17.38 earthquakes annually, with 5 earthquakes of magnitude 6+ since 1900. Recent events include 5.7 magnitude (November 2023) and 4.1 magnitude (December 2024) earthquakes. Site investigations (March 2025, May 2025, October 2025, January 2026) revealed dominant rock types of quartzite, schistose quartzite, and gneiss with three prominent joint sets. Joint spacing varies between 70-1500 mm. A major landslide was observed 1 km upstream of Sonprayag, highlighting the need for careful portal location selection and slope stabilization.

Figure: Tunnel Portal Location Near Sonprayag

Figure: Figure: Tunnel Portal Location Near Chaumasi

Key Components and Features

The project involves comprehensive infrastructure development:

  • Twin-tube tunnel with appropriate support systems for geological and seismic conditions
  • Approach roads with proper geometric design for smooth portal connectivity
  • Multiple bridges across Mandakini River including potential signature bridge structures
  • Surface drainage and cross-drainage works
  • Road safety infrastructure, signage, and traffic management systems
  • Slope stabilization measures for landslide-prone terrain
  • Modern tunnel ventilation, lighting, emergency evacuation, and safety systems

Meeting Decisions and Directions

A meeting was held on 29 December 2025 at Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, chaired by Secretary (RT&H). Participants included Ministry of Road Transport & Highways officials, State PWD Uttarakhand, and consultants from Marsway Engineering and RITES Ltd. Key Directions:

  • Alignment to be planned in integrated manner to accommodate proposed ropeway system and reduce Sonprayag congestion
  • Options 2A and 2B to be studied in detail with emphasis on portal locations ensuring minimum hill cutting
  • Detailed geological investigation required with focus on shear zones
  • Portal near Sonprayag to be south of parking area; feasibility of signature bridge- type structure on left bank of Mandakini to be explored
  • Feasibility of pedestrian walkway tunnel at ridge location for Chaumasi-Kedarnath connectivity to be studied
  • Vehicular movement beyond Sonprayag not to be permitted; focus on pedestrian walkways to control carrying capacity

Expected Benefits and Outcomes

  • Improved Connectivity: Direct all-weather route reducing travel distance and time between Sonprayag and Kalimath
  • Tourism and Economic Growth: Increased footfall expected to encourage hotels, resorts, and homestays, generating employment for local residents
  • Decongestion of Sonprayag: Alternate route will reduce traffic bottleneck and improve pilgrim flow
  • Enhanced Safety: Safer alignment away from flood-prone Mandakini River; reliable evacuation route during disasters
  • Strategic Importance: Supports Char Dham all-weather connectivity and enhances strategic mobility in border-sensitive Uttarakhand

Current Status and Implementation

Project Status

  • Inception Report submitted (14/04/2024); Revised Inception Report submitted (30/05/2024)
  • Site visits completed: March 2025, May 2025, October 2025, January 2026
  • Six alignment options identified and compared
  • Permission received from Secretary (RT&H) on 31/12/2025 for most viable option area
  • Feasibility studies ongoing for Options 2A and 2B

Implementation Plan

  • Detailed geological investigation with focus on shear zones
  • Feasibility study for Options 2A and 2B with portal location emphasis
  • Pedestrian walkway tunnel study for Chaumasi-Kedarnath connectivity
  • Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation
  • Land acquisition and environmental clearances
  • Administrative and financial sanctions
  • Tendering and execution

Conclusion

The construction of a 2-lane tunnel between Sonprayag and Kalimath represents a high- priority infrastructure intervention of strategic national importance. The project will transform connectivity in the Kedarnath pilgrimage circuit, providing a safe, reliable, all- weather route capable of accommodating projected pilgrim traffic growth to 40 lakh by 2040. Options 2A and 2B have emerged as the most viable alternatives for detailed study, offering tunnel-dominated alignments with minimal environmental impact through reduced hill cutting and optimal portal locations. The project aligns with national Char Dham connectivity goals and contributes to disaster resilience in this seismically active region. Integration with the proposed ropeway system demonstrates comprehensive regional transportation planning. The emphasis on environmental protection, carrying capacity management, and pedestrian connectivity reflects responsible infrastructure planning in ecologically sensitive Himalayan terrain. Upon completion, this project will enhance the critical pilgrimage lifeline, unlock economic potential through tourism development and local employment, and improve access to essential services for communities in Rudraprayag district and broader Uttarakhand.