Barkot-Silkyara Bend Tunnel marks key milestone in Uttarakhand’s infrastructure development

The 4.531 km Barkot-Silkyara Bend Tunnel on NH-134 made a significant breakthrough, providing all-weather connectivity, speedier travel, and regional growth, with Rodic Consultants ensuring quality and engineering excellence.

In a historic feat for the Barkot-Silkyara Bend Tunnel Project, a critical infrastructure milestone along NH-134 was formally revealed.  Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, and Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, were present to witness the tunnel breakthrough.

Speaking at the event, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised that the opening of the Barkot-Silkyara Bend Tunnel is a historic moment for Uttarakhand. He notes that the last ten years have seen uninterrupted progress throughout the country, with Uttarakhand proudly contributing to that journey.  The Hon’ble Chief Minister also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership, guidance, and assistance in highlighting the new dimensions of growth and prosperity.

Shri Ajay Tamta addressed the crowd and congratulated everyone on the tunnel’s successful completion. He emphasised that under the capable leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Chief Minister, this project has moved forward at a rapid pace, accelerating Uttarakhand’s growth like never before. Uttarakhand is making great progress, and one of the most significant achievements has been the conversion of single-lane roads into two-lane highways along the Char Dham path, he noted.

The day also featured the dedication ceremony of the newly built Baba Baukhnag shrine, fulfilling the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s earnest vow to the residents following the sad tunnel collapse in November 2023.  The two-lane unidirectional tunnel along NH-134 (Old NH-94) spans 4.531 kilometres and is meant to provide an all-weather connection between Dharasu and Yamunotri. The tunnel cuts travel time from over an hour to only five minutes, enhancing regional trade, tourism, and socioeconomic development while protecting ecologically vulnerable forest areas.

Rodic Consultants, a prominent engineering and digital infrastructure consulting firm, served as the project’s Construction Supervision Consultant, helping to ensure that all phases of tunnel construction were completed on time and of excellent quality. Rodic’s tasks included supervising construction activities and advising NHIDCL and the contractor on crucial issues such as design finalisation, safety measures, and engineering standards.

Speaking on the new milestone, Shri Raj Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director of Rodic Consultants, mentions that they 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 digitalisation of project data and implementation of a digital RFI system, has brought enhanced transparency and efficiency to the site. They 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. They thank the Government of India, NHIDCL, and our project partners for their trust and collaboration throughout this journey.

Rodic Consultants maintained stringent quality control by supervising on-site laboratory testing for cement, concrete, and aggregates, as well as conducting field tests for sprayed concrete and rock bolts.  The organisation also contributed significantly to the optimal deployment of workers and machines, guaranteeing safe and efficient worksite operations. Rodic embraced digital innovation by implementing a digital Request for Inspection (RFI) system and digitalising project data management, which dramatically improved transparency, efficiency, and quality assurance on-site.

Following the tunnel breakthrough, the project is now moving into its final stages, which include roadworks and the installation of electrical and mechanical equipment. The Barkot-Silkyara Bend Tunnel exemplifies current engineering brilliance and interagency teamwork.