₹1,383.78 Cr Barkot–Silkyara Bend Tunnel Project Marks Major Breakthrough
In a significant achievement for Uttarakhand’s infrastructure, the 4.531-km Silkyara Tunnel under the Chardham Mahamarg Pariyojana has achieved a successful breakthrough. The Barkot–Silkyara Bend Tunnel on NH-134 is a key enabler for seamless connectivity between Gangotri and Yamunotri, reducing travel time by an hour and ensuring all-weather access for pilgrims.
Constructed at a cost of ₹1,383.78 crore, the project exemplifies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of infrastructure-led growth driven by advanced engineering and speedy execution. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and MoRTH Minister of State Ajay Tamta were present to mark the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted that the breakthrough of the Barkot–Silkyara Bend Tunnel marks a historic moment for Uttarakhand. The last ten years have witnessed uninterrupted development across the country, and Uttarakhand is proudly contributing to that journey, he added. Hon’ble Chief Minister also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership, his guidance and support for showcasing the new dimensions of development and prosperity.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ajay Tamta congratulated everyone for the breakthrough of the tunnel. He highlighted that under the able leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Chief Minister, this project has progressed with great momentum and has accelerated the pace of Uttarakhand’s development like never before. Uttarakhand is witnessing remarkable progress, and one of the key milestones has been the transformation of single-lane roads into two-lane highways across the Char Dham route, he added.
The day also saw the consecration ceremony of the newly built Baba Baukhnag temple, fulfilling a heartfelt promise made by the Hon’ble Chief Minister to the locals during the tragic tunnel collapse of November 2023. Spanning a total length of 4.531 kilometers, the two-lane unidirectional tunnel along NH-134 (Old NH-94) is designed to provide all-weather connectivity between Dharasu and Yamunotri. The tunnel dramatically reduces travel time from approximately one hour to just five minutes, boosting regional trade, tourism, and socio-economic development while preserving ecologically sensitive forest zones.
Rodic Consultants, a leading engineering and digital infrastructure consulting company, served as the Construction Supervision Consultant for the project, playing a pivotal role in ensuring timely, high-quality execution of all phases of tunnel construction. As part of its responsibilities, Rodic supervised construction activities and advised NHIDCL and the contractor on critical aspects such as design finalization, safety measures, and engineering standards.
Speaking on the new milestone, Shri Raj Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director of Rodic Consultants, said, “We are proud to have played a crucial role in the successful breakthrough of the Barkot–Silkyara Bend Tunnel. As the Construction Supervision Consultant, Rodic has ensured the highest standards of engineering excellence, quality assurance, and safety at every stage of construction. Our team’s focus on innovation, including digitalization of project data and implementation of a digital RFI system, has brought enhanced transparency and efficiency to the site. We believe this breakthrough is not just a construction milestone, it’s a step forward in strengthening all-weather connectivity, boosting regional development, and building a more resilient future for the communities of this region. We thank the Government of India, NHIDCL, and our project partners for their trust and collaboration throughout this journey.”
Rodic Consultants ensured strict quality control by overseeing on-site laboratory testing for cement, concrete, and aggregates, and conducting field tests for sprayed concrete and rock bolts. The organization also played a key role in optimizing deployment of manpower and machinery, ensuring safe and efficient worksite operations. Embracing digital innovation, Rodic introduced a digital Request for Inspection (RFI) system and digitalized project data management, significantly enhancing transparency, efficiency, and quality assurance on-site.
Post the tunnel breakthrough, the project now enters its final stages, including roadwork and the installation of electrical and mechanical systems. The Barkot–Silkyara Bend Tunnel stands as a testament to modern engineering excellence and cross-agency collaboration.
