Namo Bharat Train Update: Uttarakhand CM requests extension to Haridwar and Rishikesh from Meerut
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on March 27, 2026, to discuss regional development projects. During this meeting, the Chief Minister requested the extension of the Namo Bharat train service from Meerut to Haridwar and Rishikesh. This move aims to improve travel options for pilgrims and daily commuters from the National Capital Region visiting the holy cities. Currently, the service operates only on the Delhi-Meerut corridor, and this expansion is still in the request stage.
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What is the current status of the Meerut to Haridwar extension?
As of now, there is no official announcement or sanctioned plan to extend the Namo Bharat train beyond Meerut. The project is currently a formal request made by the Uttarakhand government to the Central government. Meerut MP Arun Govil also previously voiced a similar demand to connect these spiritual hubs via the Rapid Rail network. Since no concrete work has started, the expansion remains a proposal that requires feasibility studies and funding approvals from the concerned authorities.
Overview of the existing Namo Bharat Corridor operations
The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is a major infrastructure project managed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation. The entire 82 km stretch was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 22, 2026, and opened for the public on February 23, 2026. This corridor is funded through a partnership between the Central Government, Delhi Government, and Uttar Pradesh Government. Key facts about the current setup include:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 82 Kilometers |
| Route | Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut |
| Inauguration Date | February 22, 2026 |
| Operating Agency | NCRTC |
| Recent Proposal | Extension to Haridwar and Rishikesh |
| Requested By | CM Pushkar Singh Dhami |