Uttarakhand plans Namo Bharat train link from Meerut to Rishikesh, travel time to drop sharply

Uttarakhand is moving ahead with a big transport plan that could make travel between Delhi-NCR and Rishikesh much faster and easier. The state government has announced plans to extend the Namo Bharat train service from Meerut to Rishikesh. This new high-speed rail project is expected to improve connectivity, help tourists and pilgrims, and support economic growth in the state.

The proposed project will be part of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), which is already being developed in parts of North India. If approved, the train route will start from Modipuram in Meerut and go all the way to Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh.

The plan has received support in principle from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). A detailed project report (DPR) survey is expected to begin soon to study the route and prepare the final plan.

This project is seen as an important step for Uttarakhand because Rishikesh is one of the most visited religious and tourist places in India. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims and tourists visit the city for spiritual reasons, yoga retreats, and adventure activities.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said this train service would bring a new era of better transport for the state. He said that the fast train would benefit pilgrims, tourists, and local people by providing safer, faster, and more modern travel options.

Faster travel for pilgrims and tourists

At present, travelling from Delhi to Rishikesh by road usually takes around five to six hours, depending on traffic. During holiday seasons and religious festivals, this travel time can increase even more because of heavy traffic on highways.

With the Namo Bharat train, the travel time is expected to reduce to only two-and-a-half to three hours. This would be a major relief for travelers.

The trains are designed to run at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour. This means passengers will be able to cover long distances in much less time compared to buses or cars.

The proposed route will cover many important cities and towns. It will begin from Modipuram in Meerut and pass through Muzaffarnagar before entering Uttarakhand. After that, it will connect Roorkee, Haridwar, and Rishikesh, before ending near Lakshman Jhula.

The full corridor will be nearly 150 kilometres long. Out of this, 72 kilometres will be in Uttar Pradesh and 78 kilometres will be in Uttarakhand.

This route is important because it connects many major religious and tourist destinations. Haridwar and Rishikesh are key places for pilgrims, especially during the Char Dham Yatra. Better rail service could make these journeys much easier.

Tourism experts believe the project could also increase adventure tourism. Rishikesh is famous for river rafting, camping, yoga, and trekking. Easier travel may attract even more visitors.

Local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and shops may also benefit from increased tourist numbers.

Apart from tourism, the train could also help local residents who travel between these cities for work, education, and healthcare.

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Cabinet approves other key decisions

Along with the rail project, the Uttarakhand cabinet has also approved many important policy decisions in different sectors.

One major decision is the launch of a pilot embryo transfer project. This project aims to improve cattle breeds and increase milk production in the state. Better cattle breeds can help farmers earn more money.

The cabinet has also decided to support 20 percent of insurance premiums for horses and mules used during the Char Dham Yatra. These animals play an important role in helping pilgrims travel in hilly areas.

Another important decision is the approval to make Uttarakhand a fully literate state under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This move aims to improve education and reduce illiteracy.

The government also approved financial support to clear pending payments under the state’s Golden Card health scheme. This scheme helps government employees and pensioners get medical treatment.

To promote tourism, the cabinet approved an international Himalayan Car Rally. This event is expected to attract tourists and sports lovers from different places.

The cabinet also made changes in road construction rules. Temporary price adjustment provisions have been approved for bitumen-related contracts because petroleum prices have increased due to the Middle East conflict.

This step is important because rising oil prices affect the cost of road-building materials.

The government also approved five specialist posts for operating an Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) machine at the Aroma Plant Centre in Selaqui. This machine will help test the purity of aromatic oils and herbal products.

This is important for Uttarakhand because the state exports many herbal and aromatic products. Better testing can improve product quality and increase exports.

Other decisions include changes in prison administration rules, Sanskrit education regulations, and service rules for jail superintendents.

The cabinet also changed eligibility rules for equal pay for Upnal workers after court directions.

In another important development, the state government thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for helping bring agreement among states on the long-pending Kishau multi-purpose dam project.

Overall, the Namo Bharat train extension and other cabinet decisions show that Uttarakhand is focusing on faster development, better transport, stronger tourism, and improved public services. If the rail project moves ahead, it could become one of the biggest connectivity improvements for the state in recent years.