Himalayan Tunnel to Halve Char Dham Yatra Time, Boost All-Weather Tourism

• A 5-kilometer Silkyara-Polgaon tunnel, part of the Char Dham Mahamarg Project in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, will reduce travel time from 2 hours to 15 minutes.
• The tunnel, built using the Austrian Tunneling Method, is designed to withstand earthquakes and provide all-weather connectivity for the Char Dham Yatra.
• Construction faced challenges, including a collapse in November 2023 that trapped 41 workers, who were safely rescued after 17 days.
• Expected to be completed by late 2025, the tunnel will shorten the route by 26 kilometers, benefiting pilgrims and local residents.
• The project, costing approximately 1,384 crore rupees, aims to boost tourism and regional development by enabling year-round access to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

Why It Matters: The Silkyara-Polgaon tunnel will significantly cut Char Dham Yatra travel time and enable year-round tourism.