In a significant move to streamline rail travel in Uttarakhand, Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced on Saturday, July 18, 2026, that Rishikesh railway station will be developed as a dedicated feeder station. This strategic initiative is designed to reduce the mounting passenger load at Haridwar station, particularly during busy pilgrimage seasons. The project is part of a larger master plan aimed at boosting rail capacity and enhancing connectivity across the state.
- Rishikesh station to serve as a feeder hub to ease Haridwar congestion.
- Comprehensive master plan initiated for Haridwar-Rishikesh rail network.
- Inaugural Ramnagar-Dehradun Express flagged off to connect Kumaon and Garhwal.
- Progress continues on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag line.
- In-principle approval granted for the Meerut–Haridwar–Rishikesh Namo Bharat corridor.
Infrastructure Upgrades and New Connectivity
The Ministry of Railways is currently undertaking a massive infrastructure overhaul in Uttarakhand. Beyond the transformation of Rishikesh station, the government is focusing on the redevelopment of Haridwar and Dehradun railway stations, alongside 11 other key stations in the state. These upgrades are expected to significantly improve the passenger experience, providing modern amenities and better station management.
On the same day, Minister Vaishnaw virtually flagged off the new Ramnagar-Dehradun Express. This train marks a historic milestone as the first direct express service linking the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, making travel between these two prominent areas more convenient for residents and tourists alike.
High-Speed Links and Future Projects
The state’s rail connectivity is set for a further boost with the ongoing construction of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that this project will act as a major catalyst for the region’s socio-economic and religious development. Furthermore, on July 16, 2026, the government gave in-principle approval for the Meerut–Haridwar–Rishikesh Namo Bharat (RRTS) corridor. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently under preparation to establish a high-speed regional link that will connect Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh with the heart of Uttarakhand, promising a faster and more efficient transit network for the future.