Delhi-NCR to Rishikesh in Record Time: Namo Bharat (RRTS) Corridor Gets Green Light

RJ Kesari News Desk: The project for a high-speed corridor connecting Meerut, Haridwar, and Rishikesh has received "in-principle" approval, marking a significant step toward linking the National Capital Region (NCR) directly with the holy cities of Uttarakhand.

Currently, the process to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) through a fresh survey is underway, paving the way for a high-speed rail link that promises to slash travel time significantly.

This decision follows high-level discussions between Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar.

The project will be a collaborative effort involving the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) along with the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The 150-Kilometer Expansion: Connecting Two States

The proposed Namo Bharat corridor will span approximately 150 kilometers, acting as a direct extension of the existing Delhi-Meerut RRTS line starting from the Modipuram station. The route is strategically divided between the two states to ensure balanced regional development:

• Uttar Pradesh Segment: 72 kilometers of the rail track will be constructed within Uttar Pradesh.

• Uttarakhand Segment: 78 kilometers of the high-speed line will pass through Uttarakhand, facilitating swift movement within the hill state.

Strategic Route: From Meerut to the Holy Cities

The new corridor is designed to connect several key urban and religious centers, offering a faster alternative to traditional road travel. The train will originate at Modipuram (Meerut) and traverse through:

• Daurala, Khatauli, Muzaffarnagar, and Purkaji in Uttar Pradesh.

• Roorkee, Haridwar, and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand.

Specifically, the alignment includes a station near Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, which is expected to offer immense convenience to pilgrims, and the route will terminate near Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh.

While road travel between Delhi and Rishikesh currently takes five to six hours, the high-speed Namo Bharat trains—capable of speeds up to 160 kmph—are expected to reduce this journey to approximately two-and-a-half to three hours.

Seamless Connectivity: Integrating the RRTS Network

This project acts as a force multiplier for the existing transport network. Once operational, the corridor will provide seamless integration for commuters:

• NCR Integration: The line will connect directly to the existing Delhi-Meerut RRTS, allowing passengers to access key hubs like Anand Vihar, Saaihabad, and Sarai Kale Khan.

• Interstate Hub: Through the Sarai Kale Khan interchange, travelers from Uttarakhand will have high-speed rail access to Gurugram, Neemrana, and Alwar (Rajasthan) without needing to switch corridors.

• Airport and Metro Links: The network will connect to the Delhi-Panipat RRTS (for Sonipat/Panipat commuters) and the upcoming Noida International Airport (Jewar) corridor. Additionally, at Anand Vihar, passengers can switch directly to the Delhi Metro’s Blue and Pink lines for easy access to the rest of the capital.