Railway tunnel construction is on the unprecedented development. On the basis of analyzing lots of successful and failing engineering projects, the basic idea for railway tunnel construction was put forward, i.e., railway tunnels must be durable; its risk evaluation should be estimated scientifically; the construction time, cost, contract, scheme and design principle should be reasonable; and railway tunnels must be constructed under information management. The design principles were put forward, such as, the selection of single-line or double-track tunnel, the setting of longitudinal slope and aided pilot tunnel, the design of supporting structure, and fast construction, etc. The construction idea and design principle of railway tunnels would provide guideline for tunnel design and construction.