Dehradun, June 18, 2026: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s persistent efforts have brought a major breakthrough for the state’s connectivity push, with agreement reached to extend the RRTS network from Meerut to Rishikesh. T
he proposed high-speed Namo Bharat corridor is expected to connect Modipuram in Meerut with Lakshman Jhula near Rishikesh, opening a fast and modern transport option for pilgrims, tourists and daily travellers.
The project has moved a step closer after discussions between Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation. A survey for the detailed project report is set to begin soon, marking the next phase in what could become one of the most significant regional transport expansions for Uttarakhand.
According to the proposed alignment, the new track will begin at Modipuram station in Meerut, pass through Muzaffarnagar and enter Uttarakhand before moving through Roorkee and Haridwar, including the Har Ki Pauri region, and finally reaching Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. About 72 kilometres of the line will fall in Uttar Pradesh and 78 kilometres in Uttarakhand.
The high-speed rail corridor is being seen as a game changer for the state, especially for pilgrims heading to the Ganga town of Rishikesh and for Uttarakhand residents travelling to Delhi. At present, the road journey from Delhi to Rishikesh takes around five to six hours, but the Namo Bharat train, designed for speeds of up to 160 kmph, could reduce travel time to around two and a half to three hours.
Dhami said the extension of the Namo Bharat service to Rishikesh would give Uttarakhand’s connectivity a new direction. He said the project would provide pilgrims, tourists and local residents with faster, safer and more modern transport facilities, while also creating new opportunities for development and employment in the state. He added that the state government is working closely with the Centre, the Uttar Pradesh government and NCRTC to move the project forward.
The development is being viewed as another important step in Uttarakhand’s infrastructure push, especially as the state seeks stronger rail and transport links to support both mobility and economic growth.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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