Karwar Tunnel is a remarkable feat of engineering located in the picturesque coastal town of Karwar, Karn ataka, India. It is a single-lane road tunnel that connects the town of Karwar with the nearby village of Ankola. The tunnel is essential to National Highway 66, a vital transportation link between Mumbai and Kochi.
The Karwar Tunnel is a magnificent engineering spectacle that will leave visitors in awe. Located in the picturesque coastal city of Karwar in the Indian state of Karnataka, this tunnel is a testament to human ingenuity and determination. With a length of approximately 3.3 kilometres, the Karwar Tunnel is one of the longest road tunnels in India and offers a fascinating journey through the mountains.
The tunnel is an essential part of the National Highway 66, which connects the cities of Mumbai and Kochi. Built to bypass the winding and treacherous roads that run through the Western Ghats, the Karwar Tunnel provides travellers with a smooth and safe passage. The tunnel is also adorned with artistic lighting that adds to the beauty of the drive.
As you make your way through the Karwar Tunnel, you will be enveloped in darkness, punctuated by the occasional gleam of light. It is a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience, making it a must-visit destination for all who seek adventure and wonder.
This article will explore the Karwar Tunnel’s structure, history, route map, and contractor details.
Table of contents
Karwar Tunnel – The Historic Structure
The Karwar Tunnel is a 3.2 km long tunnel that runs through the Western Ghats. The tunnel has a horseshoe shape, is 12 metres wide and has a height of 7.39 metres. It is a single-lane tunnel, and vehicles can travel in one direction at a time. The tunnel has an impressive ventilation system, emergency exit passages, and a firefighting system to ensure the safety of the drivers. The ventilation system uses jet fans, which help to remove the exhaust fumes from the tunnel.
The Karwar Tunnel is a double-line electrified railway tunnel constructed at a depth of 30 to 80 metres below the ground level. The tunnel has a gradient of 1.5%, which allows trains to pass through it at a maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour.
It also has an advanced communication system that enables train drivers to communicate with the control room in an emergency. The construction of the tunnel was a challenging task, considering the geology of the Western Ghats, which is known for its rugged terrain and frequent landslides.
Karwar Tunnel – A British Era History
Karwar Tunnel, also known as the Devbagh Tunnel, is a historic tunnel located in the coastal town of Karwar in Karnataka, India. The British built the tunnel in the 19th century to provide a direct access route between Karwar Port and the mainland. During the British era, Karwar was an important port for shipping timber, spices, and other goods. The tunnel was a key component of the transportation infrastructure in the region and played a crucial role in the area’s economic development.
In addition to its practical significance, the Karwar Tunnel has a fascinating history. It is said that the tunnel was built using forced labour, with prisoners from nearby jails being forced to work on its construction. Legend has it that some of the prisoners who died during the construction were buried inside the tunnel itself.
The construction of the tunnel was initiated in 1855, and it took five years to complete. The tunnel is approximately 1.5 kilometres long and is carved out of solid rock. It was designed to provide a secure and protected passage between the port and the mainland for goods and people.
The idea of constructing a railway line through the Western Ghats was proposed more than a century ago during the British Raj. However, the project could not materialise for several reasons, including financial constraints and technical difficulties. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in constructing a railway line through the Western Ghats, as it would connect Karnataka and Goa’s coastal areas with the Deccan Plateau hinterland.
The Karwar Tunnel was built to address the transportation challenges faced by the people living in the region. Before the construction of the tunnel, vehicles had to travel through the Western Ghats, which were steep and winding, making it a challenging journey.
Karwar Tunnel – Route Map
The Karwar Tunnel is part of the newly constructed railway line between Bengaluru and Karwar. The single-track broad gauge line passes through several towns and cities in Karnataka, including Mysore, Hassan, and Mangalore. The line also passes through several scenic locations in the Western Ghats, including the Bisle Ghat and the Shiradi Ghat.
The journey between Bengaluru and Karwar takes around 17 hours, and the train stops at several stations. The Karwar railway station, located on the Konkan Railway line, is a major transportation hub in the region. The station is well-connected to several cities in Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, and it serves as a gateway to several popular tourist destinations, including Gokarna, Murdeshwar, and Jog Falls.
The Karwar Tunnel is a part of the National Highway 66, which runs along the west coast of India. The tunnel connects the town of Karwar with the village of Ankola, which is located about 30 km away. The tunnel has significantly reduced travel time between the two places, and it takes only about 15 minutes to traverse through the tunnel.
Contractor Details of the Karwar Tunnel
A consortium of companies, including Larsen & Toubro, Afcons Infrastructure, and Shankaranarayana Constructions, constructed the Karwar Tunnel. Afcons Infrastructure Limited is a leading infrastructure development company in India. It is a subsidiary of Shapoorji Pallonji Group, one of the oldest and largest conglomerates in the country. Afcons has expertise in several areas, including marine infrastructure, oil and gas, and power transmission.
It is also known for its expertise in building tunnels and bridges and has been involved in constructing several other infrastructure projects in India and abroad.
Larsen & Toubro is a leading Indian multinational engineering, construction, and technology company headquartered in Mumbai. It is involved in various infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, airports, and metro systems.
Shankaranarayana Constructions is a local construction company based in Mangalore, Karnataka. It has experience building roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects in the region.
The conglomeration of these companies was responsible for the design, construction, and commissioning of the Karwar Tunnel. The tunnel construction was a mammoth task involving several challenges, including excavation through hard rock, water ingress, and cave-ins. The project involved several phases, including excavation, blasting, and tunnel lining. The companies used several advanced technologies and equipment to carry out the work, including tunnel boring machines, drilling jumbos, and shotcrete machines.
Summary
The Karwar Tunnel is a significant engineering achievement that has made travel easier for the people of Karwar and the surrounding regions. The tunnel has not only reduced travel time but has also improved the safety of the journey. The Karwar Tunnel is a testament to the technological advancements made in the field of infrastructure development and serves as an inspiration for future projects.
It has helped connect Karnataka’s coastal areas with the Deccan Plateau hinterland. The tunnel has reduced the travel time between Bengaluru and Karwar by around six hours and has opened up several regional economic growth and development opportunities.
The Karwar Tunnel is also a symbol of the country’s commitment to building a modern and efficient railway network that can meet the growing needs of its people. The tunnel has set a new benchmark in railway infrastructure in India and is expected to serve as a model for future projects in the country. Overall, the Karwar Tunnel is a significant achievement for the country, and it has opened up new avenues for growth and development in the region.
FAQ
Where is Karwar Tunnel located?
Karwar Tunnel is situated in the scenic coastal city of Karwar in Karnataka.
Which is the longest tunnel in India?
The Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel, popularly known as the T-80, runs through the heart of the Himalayan peaks in Jammu and Kashmir and is the longest transportation tunnel in the country.
