Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said the Namo Bharat train's extension from Meerut to Rishikesh will boost connectivity. The project will reduce travel time to 2.5-3 hours, aiding pilgrims, tourists, and creating development opportunities.
Project Gets In-Principle Approval
Notably, the dream of a high-speed Namo Bharat (RRTS) train service from Modipuram in Meerut to Lakshman Jhula near Rishikesh is set to become a reality. Owing to the efforts of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the NCRTC have reached an agreement to extend the existing RRTS network from Meerut to Rishikesh. A survey for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is expected to begin shortly, the release stated.
The high-speed Namo Bharat train service between Delhi and Modipuram, Meerut, became operational in February this year. Chief Minister Dhami has been consistently pursuing the extension of the corridor from Modipuram to Rishikesh. In this regard, CM Dhami recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and submitted a proposal for the extension. Following these discussions, approval in principle has been granted to extend the corridor up to Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh, the press release noted.
Survey, Route and Travel Benefits
To expedite the project, the Uttarakhand Government has appointed Additional Secretary Reena Joshi as the nodal officer, while the NCRTC has also designated its own nodal officer. The Uttar Pradesh Government has likewise agreed to the proposal. As a result, a survey for preparing the DPR of the proposed 150-kilometre corridor is set to commence soon.
According to the proposed plan, the new track will originate from Modipuram station in Meerut and pass through Muzaffarnagar before entering Uttarakhand. It will then connect Roorkee, Haridwar, including the Har Ki Pauri area, and finally reach Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. Of the proposed alignment, 72 kilometres will fall in Uttar Pradesh and 78 kilometres in Uttarakhand.
He further stated that the project is expected to offer a modern and efficient transport option for pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand as well as residents travelling to Delhi. At present, the journey between Delhi and Rishikesh by road takes approximately five to six hours. Once the Namo Bharat train, capable of speeds of up to 160 kmph, becomes operational on this route, the travel time is expected to be reduced to just two-and-a-half to three hours, the release stated.
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