Uttarakhand’s Namo Bharat Plan Could Cut Delhi–Rishikesh Travel To 3 Hours?

On Saturday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, to request an extension of the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System’s (RRTS) corridor from Modi Puram in Meerut to Haridwar. Read on to know more about the development.

Namo Bharat Extension Plan

As per a report by NDTV, at the meeting, the Uttarakhand CM also talked about the development of a separate Dehradun-Haridwar-Rishikesh metro corridor. The twin proposal, if approved, could create a stronger and unbroken rapid rail link stretching from Delhi all the way to the Himalayan foothills. The Namo Bharat train currently operates between Sarai Kale Khan station in Delhi and Modipuram in Meerut. The new corridor would begin at Modipuram, extend northward, and run roughly parallel to National Highway 58.

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What Is The Proposed Route?

The proposed Namo Bharat train extension is expected to pass through some critical stops:

• Modipuram, Meerut
• Daurala-Sakauti
• Khatauli
• Purkazi
• Roorkee
• Jwalapur, Haridwar
• Rishikesh

If approved, the project is expected to benefit both commuters and authorities. Here are several important benefits of the proposed plan:

• One of the key benefits would be that Modipuram will become the principal junction between the Delhi and Haridwar routes, promoting more commercial activity in the area.
• Muzaffarnagar will become one of the most preferred spots for industrial townships and warehousing.
• Roorkee would also witness a major boost in student housing and PG accommodation.
• Demand for holiday and service apartments in Rishikesh and Haridwar could rise by up to 200%.
• The new route will cut travel time from Delhi to Rishikesh to just two-and-a-half to three hours.

Despite the promising nature of the proposed plan, it may encounter significant and formidable challenges that require resolution before construction begins.

• The area between Roorkee and Rishikesh passes through Rajaji National Park and ecologically sensitive zones, where laying tracks would require environmental clearances and approvals.
• The hilly region near Rishikesh would necessitate elevated tracks or tunnelling, adding both high expense and complexity.

As per the news portal, if a broad consensus is reached between stakeholders, the proposal will then be sent to the Central Government, NCRTC and the Uttar Pradesh Government for the next steps.

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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons