Uttarakhand Moves Closer to Namo Bharat Rail Link Connecting Meerut and Rishikesh

Dehradun, June 19: Uttarakhand is set to witness a major transportation upgrade as plans move forward to extend the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh to Rishikesh in Uttarakhand.

The proposed corridor, spanning nearly 150 kilometres, will connect Modipuram in Meerut to Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. The project is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and provide a major boost to tourism and economic activity in Uttarakhand.

The development follows discussions involving the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh governments along with the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). All stakeholders have reportedly agreed in principle to the extension, while a Detailed Project Report (DPR) survey is expected to begin soon.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the project would provide faster, safer, and more modern transportation facilities for pilgrims, tourists, and residents. He noted that the rail link would strengthen ties between Uttarakhand and the Delhi-NCR region while supporting the state's tourism-driven economy.

According to the proposed alignment, the corridor will pass through Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, Haridwar, and Rishikesh before terminating near Lakshman Jhula. Approximately 72 kilometres of the route will lie in Uttar Pradesh, while the remaining 78 kilometres will be within Uttarakhand.

Currently, road travel between Delhi and Rishikesh typically takes five to six hours. With Namo Bharat trains capable of operating at speeds of up to 160 kmph, travel time could be reduced to approximately two-and-a-half to three hours.

In addition to the rail project, the Uttarakhand Cabinet approved several key policy decisions across sectors including animal husbandry, education, tourism, infrastructure, and governance.

Among the major decisions were approval of a pilot embryo transfer project to improve cattle breeds, financial support for insurance premiums of horses and mules used during the Char Dham Yatra, and measures aimed at achieving full literacy in the state under the National Education Policy 2020.

The cabinet also cleared plans for an international Himalayan Car Rally to promote tourism and approved provisions to address rising costs in road construction projects caused by fluctuations in petroleum prices.

Officials believe the proposed Namo Bharat extension could become a transformative infrastructure project, improving mobility, encouraging investment, and strengthening Uttarakhand's position as a major tourism and pilgrimage destination.

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