The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is planning to extend the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Delhi to Haridwar and Rishikesh. The Uttarakhand government and the Central Government are working together to make this project a reality. The project aims to provide faster connectivity between the national capital and the spiritual hubs of Uttarakhand.
What is the proposed route and distance?
The new corridor will start from Modipuram in Meerut and follow National Highway-58. The total length of this extension will be around 150 km, with 72 km in Uttar Pradesh and 78 km in Uttarakhand. The proposed stations on this route are as follows:
| State | Proposed Stations |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | Daurala, Sakauti, Khatauli, Purkazi |
| Uttarakhand | Roorkee, Haridwar (Jwalapur), Rishikesh |
What are the current updates and financial requirements?
The NCRTC has requested ₹7.02 crore from the Uttarakhand government for preliminary studies, including the route survey and the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The Uttarakhand Chief Secretary has already asked the Transport Department to prepare a formal proposal for the state cabinet’s approval. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has already given its approval for the DPR survey for its section of the route.
How will this project impact travel and tourism?
Experts believe that this train will reduce the travel time between Delhi-NCR and Rishikesh to about 2.5 to 3 hours, compared to the current 5 to 6 hours by road. This improvement in connectivity is expected to increase the demand for homestays and rental properties by up to 200%. However, the project faces challenges such as land acquisition costs and environmental clearances for the stretch passing through Rajaji National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much will the travel time be from Delhi to Rishikesh via Namo Bharat?
The travel time is expected to be reduced to approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, which is significantly faster than the current 5 to 6 hours by road.
Which stations will be covered in the Uttarakhand section?
The proposed stations in Uttarakhand include Roorkee, Haridwar (Jwalapur), and Rishikesh.