Silkyara Tunnel

Breakthrough Hailed as Historic: The completion of the Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel is considered a major achievement by the Union Road Transport and Highways ministry.

Significant Time Savings: The tunnel is expected to reduce travel time by approximately one hour.

Tunnel Details: It’s a 4.531 km long, two-lane, bi-directional tunnel with an escape passage, situated on the Dharasu-Yamunotri section in Uttarakhand. The tunnel connects Barkot and Silkyara.

Part of NH-134: The project falls under NH-134 and is being built under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Mode.

Challenging Geology: About 90% of the excavation occurred in phyllite, a weak rock type.

Construction Method: The New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) was employed, which uses real-time monitoring to adjust reinforcement based on the rock conditions.

Funded Under NH(O) Scheme: The project is funded by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways under the National Highway Original [NH(O)] Scheme.

Part of Chardham Plan: It’s a crucial element of the Chardham Plan, aiming to improve connectivity to pilgrimage sites.

Improved Accessibility: The tunnel enhances accessibility to Yamunotri (approximately 50 km away) and facilitates easier access to Badrinath and Kedarnath, especially during poor weather.