Travel to Badrinath and Kedarnath will become much faster and easier for pilgrims. The government is working on two major projects: the Namo Bharat extension from Meerut to Rishikesh and the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line. These projects will significantly cut down the hours spent on the road and improve connectivity to the shrines.
What is the Namo Bharat Meerut-Rishikesh extension
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) along with the governments of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh have agreed to extend the semi-high-speed Namo Bharat service. This 150-km stretch will connect Modipuram in Meerut to Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh via Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, and Haridwar. The trains can run at 160 kmph, which will allow passengers to travel from Delhi to Rishikesh in about three hours, compared to the usual five to six hours by road.
Key details of Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project
This 125.20 km single-track line is a massive engineering feat in the Himalayas. Most of the route is underground to handle the mountain terrain. The project is expected to be completed by 2028. Once ready, the travel time between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag will drop from seven hours to just over two hours.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 125.20 km |
| Underground Route | 84.24% |
| Longest Tunnel | Tunnel No. 8 (14.58 km) |
| Completion Target | 2028 |
| Executing Agency | RVNL |
| Mainline Tunnels | 16 tunnels (104 km total) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much time will it take to reach Rishikesh from Delhi via Namo Bharat?
The travel time is expected to be around three hours for the 230-km distance, reducing the current road journey time of five to six hours.
When will the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project be completed?
The revised completion deadline for the 125.20 km single-track railway line is set for 2028.