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Delhi-Rishikesh in 3 hours? Namo Bharat plan moves ahead

The proposed Namo Bharat extension from Meerut to Rishikesh has received approval. The move could shorten travel time and improve access to key pilgrimage and tourism centres.

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Namo Bharat train
The proposed Namo Bharat extension from Meerut to Rishikesh has received approval. (Photo: ITG)

The dream of faster and more seamless travel between Delhi-NCR and Uttarakhand has moved a step closer to reality. The proposed extension of the Namo Bharat regional rail service from Meerut to Rishikesh has received approval, paving the way for a major boost in connectivity between the two states.

As part of the plan, the existing Namo Bharat corridor will be extended from Modipuram in Meerut to Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. Officials have confirmed that work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) will begin soon, with a survey for the proposed 150-km stretch set to be undertaken in the coming months.

Also read: Indian Railways greenlights Rs 8,377 crore signalling project: What it means

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A MAJOR CONNECTIVITY BOOST FOR UTTARAKHAND

The extension is expected to transform travel between Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand by offering a faster and more modern transport option.

Once completed, the Namo Bharat corridor will connect major urban centres and important pilgrimage destinations, making travel easier for tourists, pilgrims, and local residents alike.

The project is also expected to strengthen regional integration and improve access to key destinations across Uttarakhand.

FROM DELHI TO RISHIKESH IN RECORD TIME

One of the biggest highlights of the proposed extension is the significant reduction in travel time.

The semi-high-speed Namo Bharat trains, capable of operating at speeds of up to 160 kmph, are expected to cover the entire Delhi-Rishikesh route in around three hours. This could dramatically improve travel convenience compared to existing road journeys.

The improved connectivity is likely to benefit both regular commuters and weekend travellers looking to reach Uttarakhand more efficiently.

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SURVEY WORK TO BEGIN SOON

With approvals in place, authorities are now preparing to begin the survey required for the Detailed Project Report.

The survey will play a crucial role in determining the technical feasibility, alignment, station locations, and infrastructure requirements for the proposed corridor.

The DPR will serve as the foundation for future planning and implementation of the project.

ROUTE TO PASS THROUGH KEY CITIES

According to the proposed alignment, the extension will begin from Modipuram in Meerut and continue through several important cities before reaching Rishikesh.

The route is expected to pass through Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, and Haridwar before terminating near Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh.

By connecting multiple urban and religious centres, the project aims to improve mobility across the region while supporting economic and tourism-related activities.

BIG BOOST FOR PILGRIMAGE AND TOURISM

Rishikesh and Haridwar attract millions of visitors every year, including pilgrims, tourists, and spiritual seekers.

A fast and reliable rail connection could make travel significantly more convenient, especially during peak travel seasons and religious events.

The project is expected to strengthen Uttarakhand's tourism ecosystem while providing visitors with a modern public transport alternative.

WHAT THE EXTENSION COULD MEAN FOR THE REGION

Beyond faster travel, the proposed corridor is expected to support broader economic growth by improving connectivity between cities and towns along the route.

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Better transport infrastructure often leads to increased business activity, improved accessibility, and new opportunities for development in surrounding areas.

Officials believe the project could play an important role in supporting future growth while enhancing mobility for residents and visitors alike.

The proposed extension of the Namo Bharat corridor from Meerut to Rishikesh marks a significant step towards creating faster and more efficient regional connectivity. With survey work for the 150-km stretch set to begin soon, the project has the potential to transform travel between Delhi-NCR, western Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand while giving a major boost to tourism, pilgrimage, and economic development in the region

- Ends
Published By:
Chaitanya Dhawan
Published On:
Jun 18, 2026 12:22 IST

The dream of faster and more seamless travel between Delhi-NCR and Uttarakhand has moved a step closer to reality. The proposed extension of the Namo Bharat regional rail service from Meerut to Rishikesh has received approval, paving the way for a major boost in connectivity between the two states.

As part of the plan, the existing Namo Bharat corridor will be extended from Modipuram in Meerut to Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. Officials have confirmed that work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) will begin soon, with a survey for the proposed 150-km stretch set to be undertaken in the coming months.

Also read: Indian Railways greenlights Rs 8,377 crore signalling project: What it means

A MAJOR CONNECTIVITY BOOST FOR UTTARAKHAND

The extension is expected to transform travel between Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand by offering a faster and more modern transport option.

Once completed, the Namo Bharat corridor will connect major urban centres and important pilgrimage destinations, making travel easier for tourists, pilgrims, and local residents alike.

The project is also expected to strengthen regional integration and improve access to key destinations across Uttarakhand.

FROM DELHI TO RISHIKESH IN RECORD TIME

One of the biggest highlights of the proposed extension is the significant reduction in travel time.

The semi-high-speed Namo Bharat trains, capable of operating at speeds of up to 160 kmph, are expected to cover the entire Delhi-Rishikesh route in around three hours. This could dramatically improve travel convenience compared to existing road journeys.

The improved connectivity is likely to benefit both regular commuters and weekend travellers looking to reach Uttarakhand more efficiently.

SURVEY WORK TO BEGIN SOON

With approvals in place, authorities are now preparing to begin the survey required for the Detailed Project Report.

The survey will play a crucial role in determining the technical feasibility, alignment, station locations, and infrastructure requirements for the proposed corridor.

The DPR will serve as the foundation for future planning and implementation of the project.

ROUTE TO PASS THROUGH KEY CITIES

According to the proposed alignment, the extension will begin from Modipuram in Meerut and continue through several important cities before reaching Rishikesh.

The route is expected to pass through Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, and Haridwar before terminating near Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh.

By connecting multiple urban and religious centres, the project aims to improve mobility across the region while supporting economic and tourism-related activities.

BIG BOOST FOR PILGRIMAGE AND TOURISM

Rishikesh and Haridwar attract millions of visitors every year, including pilgrims, tourists, and spiritual seekers.

A fast and reliable rail connection could make travel significantly more convenient, especially during peak travel seasons and religious events.

The project is expected to strengthen Uttarakhand's tourism ecosystem while providing visitors with a modern public transport alternative.

WHAT THE EXTENSION COULD MEAN FOR THE REGION

Beyond faster travel, the proposed corridor is expected to support broader economic growth by improving connectivity between cities and towns along the route.

Better transport infrastructure often leads to increased business activity, improved accessibility, and new opportunities for development in surrounding areas.

Officials believe the project could play an important role in supporting future growth while enhancing mobility for residents and visitors alike.

The proposed extension of the Namo Bharat corridor from Meerut to Rishikesh marks a significant step towards creating faster and more efficient regional connectivity. With survey work for the 150-km stretch set to begin soon, the project has the potential to transform travel between Delhi-NCR, western Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand while giving a major boost to tourism, pilgrimage, and economic development in the region

- Ends
Published By:
Chaitanya Dhawan
Published On:
Jun 18, 2026 12:22 IST

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