The Ministry of Railways has completed the detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed 170-km Tanakpur–Bageshwar rail line in Uttarakhand, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha.

The project has been assessed at Rs 48,692 crore but the DPR indicates low traffic potential. Before sanction, it requires stakeholder consultations, including with the Uttarakhand government, and approvals from NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance. The Minister also highlighted rising rail investment in Uttarakhand. Annual budgetary allocation for infrastructure and safety, which averaged Rs 187 crore during 2009–14, has surged to Rs 4,641 crore in 2025–26.

As of 01 April, 2025, three new lines totaling 216 km have been sanctioned in the state at an estimated Rs 40,384 crore, of which 16 km has already been commissioned with an expenditure of Rs 19,898 crore. The DPR reflects the Centre’s focus on strategic connectivity despite economic viability concerns.