Travelling from Delhi to Rishikesh has always been a favoured road trip for tourists, but it is certainly a back-breaking journey, thanks to traffic snarls and winding roads. But it could soon become significantly quicker and far more convenient. The proposed extension of the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) to the spiritual town in Uttarakhand has received approval, paving the way for a high-speed rail connection that may cut travel time between the two destinations to nearly three hours.
Rishikesh remains one of north India’s most popular destinations for weekend breaks, yoga retreats, river rafting adventures and spiritual tourism. However, for most travellers from Delhi, the journey currently involves long hours on congested
highways, often stretching up to six hours or more during peak traffic. That may soon change.
According to reports, the proposed Namo Bharat extension will cover nearly 150 kilometres from Modipuram in Meerut and pass through key cities including Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee and Haridwar before ending near Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh. The corridor is expected to improve regional connectivity for both daily commuters and tourists travelling to Uttarakhand.
Authorities are now expected to begin work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which will determine the technical feasibility of the route, station locations, infrastructure requirements and final alignment of the corridor. The DPR will play a crucial role in shaping the future execution of the project.
The Namo Bharat trains, designed as semi-high-speed rapid transit systems, can operate at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour. Once operational, the new corridor could dramatically reduce travel time compared to existing road journeys while also offering a more reliable and comfortable alternative.
Beyond tourism, the project is expected to benefit pilgrims travelling to Haridwar and Rishikesh, boost local trade and improve intercity mobility across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The existing Namo Bharat corridor between Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi and Modipuram in Meerut spans around 82 kilometres and became operational in January 2025. The proposed extension marks another major step in expanding India’s regional rapid transit network and improving connectivity between major urban centres and tourism hubs.
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