Himalayan railway infrastructure with FS Engineering and Lombardi

In the Indian region of Uttarakhand, FS Engineering and the Swiss company Lombardi are operating in a joint venture to support the construction of the new Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line. The partnership is focused on providing design and Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services for Lots 1 and 8 of this transport infrastructure.

Underground architecture and route
The new railway network extends over a total length of 125 kilometers and features 12 stations. The project is primarily developed in an underground environment, comprising 105 kilometers divided into 17 tunnels. The route runs parallel to the course of the Ganges River, penetrating deeply into the complex Himalayan mountain system, which requires specific engineering solutions to manage the orographic challenges.

Operational management and excavation logistics
A fundamental technical milestone has been reached with the completion of the excavation of the Lot 1 Emergency Tunnel, executed using the traditional method. Running parallel to the Main Tunnel, this structure will become a permanent and essential component of the railway infrastructure. The tunnel will provide direct support for evacuation procedures, raising the safety standards of railway operations and facilitating future inspection and maintenance activities. The continuity of this tunnel also optimizes underground access and site logistics, which are necessary elements to conclude the excavation operations of the Main Tunnel, whose final breakthrough is scheduled for January 2027.




Strategic impact and engineering resilience
In addition to representing an essential transport infrastructure, the project constitutes a strategic railway link to improve mobility and connectivity in the Himalayan region. The work testifies to the Joint Venture's commitment to promoting technical innovation and infrastructural resilience, operating in one of the most demanding geographical and environmental contexts globally.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

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