Delhi to Rishikesh in 180 minutes? Uttarakhand urges Centre for Namo Bharat expansion

Pushkar Singh Dhami has urged the Centre to extend the Namo Bharat RRTS from Meerut to Haridwar, while also proposing a Dehradun–Haridwar–Rishikesh metro corridor during a meeting with Manohar Lal Khattar.

RRTS extension plan gains push

At present, the Namo Bharat train runs between Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan and Modipuram in Meerut. The proposed extension would take the corridor further north along NH-58, linking key towns such as Khatauli, Purkazi, Roorkee, Jwalapur, Haridwar, and Rishikesh—significantly enhancing connectivity between Delhi and Uttarakhand.

Faster travel, tourism boost

If implemented, travel time between Delhi and Rishikesh could drop to just 2.5–3 hours, offering a major boost to tourism. Improved access is expected to drive demand for homestays, holiday homes, and rental housing in Haridwar and Rishikesh, while also benefiting students and industries in Roorkee and Muzaffarnagar.

Economic corridor in the making

The project is being viewed as more than just a transport upgrade. Better connectivity could transform Modipuram into a key transit hub and attract investments in real estate, logistics, and commercial development across western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, effectively creating a Delhi–Uttarakhand economic corridor.

Key challenges ahead

Despite its potential, the project faces hurdles. The alignment near Rajaji National Park will require environmental clearances, while land acquisition along NH-58 could prove costly. Additionally, the hilly terrain near Rishikesh may necessitate elevated tracks or tunnels, adding to the overall project cost.