Indian Railways is upgrading several key rail sections in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh to reduce travel time and improve train frequency. The focus is on the doubling and electrification of tracks in the Haridwar-Laksar, Muzaffarnagar-Tapri, and Deoband-Roorkee sections. These projects aim to provide a smoother journey for passengers and reduce congestion on busy routes.
What are the updates on Deoband-Roorkee and Muzaffarnagar-Tapri sections?
The 27.45 km new railway line between Roorkee and Deoband was commissioned by January 22, 2026, after a successful speed trial of 122 kmph. This new route reduces the distance between Delhi and Dehradun by about 40 km. Additionally, the 51.53 km Muzaffarnagar-Tapri doubling and electrification project, costing ₹376 crore, was listed as completed by March 13, 2026.
What is the status of Haridwar-Laksar and other connectivity projects?
The Laksar-Haridwar section now supports train speeds up to 110 kmph as of January 2026. Work is also ongoing for the doubling of the Laksar to Aithal line and the upgrade of the Laksar yard. Furthermore, the Ministry of Railways has approved 100 projects for 2025-26 with a budget of ₹1.53 lakh crore to expand the national rail network.
Key Project Details and Impacts
| Project Section | Key Update | Impact/Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Deoband-Roorkee | Commissioned Jan 2026 | Delhi-Dehradun distance reduced by 40km |
| Muzaffarnagar-Tapri | Doubling Completed | Cost ₹376 crore |
| Haridwar-Laksar | Speed upgraded to 110 kmph | Faster travel to Uttarakhand |
| Nanda Devi Express | Route changed Dec 2025 | Now operates on new rail route |