DELHI (Metro Rail News): The journey from Delhi to Rishikesh, currently a taking 5-6 hours highway ordeal, could soon take just three hours, as the central government actively explores extending the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System well beyond its current northern terminus. The project picked up pace following high-level talks between Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
The proposed route would extend from the current terminal at Modipuram in Meerut along the NH-58 alignment, with key stations under consideration at Daurala, Sakauti, Khatauli, and Purkazi near the UP-Uttarakhand border, before reaching Roorkee and terminating at Jwalapur in Haridwar and Rishikesh.
As reported by the Tribune, the state has already sought approximately ₹750 crore for essential infrastructure upgrades, including automatic power systems and underground cabling to support high-speed transit through the eco-sensitive Kumbh region. If approved, the project would require massive capital similar to the Delhi-Meerut RRTS line, which was completed at a cost of Rs 30,000.
The expected economic boost
Industry experts anticipate a surge of up to 200% in demand for holiday homes, rental villas, and homestays in the foothills as the NCR becomes more integrated with Uttarakhand.
Currently in the planning and proposal phase, the project is designed to bridge the gap between rapid urban transit and long-distance tourism, a pairing that, if executed, would make the Namo Bharat network one of the most strategically important rail infrastructure investments in North India this decade.
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