Namo Bharat RRTS Extension to Rishikesh Moves Ahead; DPR Survey for 150-km Corridor Set to Begin – Indian PSU
The dream of extending the high-speed Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Modipuram in Meerut to Lakshmanjhula in Rishikesh has moved a step closer to reality. Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) have reportedly reached an agreement to take forward the ambitious project, with surveys for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) set to begin.
The development follows sustained efforts by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who has been advocating the extension of the Namo Bharat corridor to Rishikesh. Earlier this year, the Namo Bharat service commenced operations between Delhi and Modipuram in Meerut, significantly improving regional connectivity.
To push the project forward, Chief Minister Dhami recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar and submitted a proposal for the extension. Following these discussions, consensus has reportedly been reached among the concerned stakeholders.
The Uttarakhand government has appointed Additional Secretary Reena Joshi as the nodal officer for the project, while NCRTC has also designated its nodal representative. The Uttar Pradesh government has extended its support, paving the way for preparation of the DPR for the proposed 150-kilometre corridor.
As per the proposed alignment, the new RRTS track will originate from Modipuram station in Meerut, pass through Muzaffarnagar, enter Uttarakhand, and continue via Roorkee and Haridwar before terminating at Lakshmanjhula in Rishikesh. Of the total route length, around 72 kilometres will fall in Uttar Pradesh and 78 kilometres in Uttarakhand.
The project is expected to transform travel for pilgrims, tourists and daily commuters. At present, the journey between Delhi and Rishikesh by road typically takes five to six hours. With Namo Bharat trains capable of operating at speeds of up to 160 kmph, the travel time could be reduced to approximately two-and-a-half to three hours.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the proposed extension would significantly strengthen connectivity in Uttarakhand and provide fast, safe and modern transportation facilities for pilgrims, tourists and local residents. He added that the state government is working closely with the Centre, the Uttar Pradesh government and NCRTC to expedite the project.
According to the Chief Minister, improved rail and transport infrastructure will also create new opportunities for economic growth, tourism and employment in Uttarakhand.
