No DPR received for Metro, Metrolite or Urban Rail Extension to Rishikesh in Uttarakhand

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The Central Government has clarified that it has not received any Detailed Project Report (DPR) from the Uttarakhand Government for extending an urban rail transport system, including Metro Rail, Metro Neo or Metrolite, to Rishikesh.

The clarification came in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, where the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) stated that no formal proposal for such a project is currently under consideration by the Centre.

No Proposal Pending for Metro Extension to Rishikesh

Responding to questions raised by Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Kalpana Saini, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu confirmed that the ministry has not received any DPR related to extending an urban rail transport system to Rishikesh.

"No Detailed Project Report (DPR) to extend an urban rail transport project, such as Metro Rail or Metro Neo/Metrolite up to Rishikesh has been received in this Ministry from the concerned State Government," the minister said in his written reply.

Dr. Saini had sought details regarding whether any proposal for extending Metro Rail, Metro Neo or Metrolite to Rishikesh was pending with the Central Government and requested information on the possible timeline for commencement of construction.

Urban Transport Is a State Responsibility

The minister reiterated that urban transport falls under the jurisdiction of state governments, making them responsible for conceptualising, planning and implementing urban transit systems.

He added that the Centre extends financial assistance to metro rail projects only after receiving viable proposals from state governments in accordance with the Metro Rail Policy, 2017.

According to the ministry, financial support is provided after evaluating the technical and financial feasibility of the proposal as well as the availability of government resources.

"The Central Government provides financial assistance to metro rail projects in accordance with the provisions of the Metro Rail Policy, 2017, as and when proposed by the concerned State Government depending upon feasibility of the proposal and availability of resources," Sahu stated.

Focus Remains on Proposed Meerut–Haridwar–Rishikesh RRTS

Although no metro rail proposal has been submitted, Uttarakhand has been actively pursuing enhanced regional rail connectivity through the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).

Earlier this year, during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami requested the extension of the proposed Meerut–Haridwar–Rishikesh RRTS corridor. The proposal aims to connect the state with the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, which is already operational in phases and is being developed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).

Subsequently, the proposed Meerut–Haridwar–Rishikesh RRTS corridor received in-principle approval, and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently underway. The approximately 150-kilometre corridor is expected to extend from Modipuram in Meerut to Roorkee, Haridwar and Rishikesh, significantly improving connectivity between Delhi-NCR, western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

"As India's urban mobility ecosystem continues to expand, selecting the right mode of mass transit based on travel demand, regional development and financial viability is essential. While metro systems are ideal for dense urban areas, regional rapid transit systems such as Namo Bharat can effectively connect neighbouring cities and states, creating faster, sustainable and integrated transportation networks," said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, offering an industry perspective.

Future Connectivity Plans Await State Proposal

The Centre's latest clarification indicates that there is currently no Metro Rail, Metro Neo or Metrolite proposal pending for Rishikesh under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

However, with the proposed Meerut–Haridwar–Rishikesh Namo Bharat corridor progressing through the planning stage, Uttarakhand could soon witness a major leap in regional rail connectivity. Any future metro rail proposal for Rishikesh or other cities in the state will require the Uttarakhand Government to prepare and submit a Detailed Project Report for evaluation under the Metro Rail Policy before central assistance can be considered.

The development underscores the distinction between urban metro projects, which are state-led initiatives, and regional rapid transit systems, which are designed to connect cities across state boundaries while supporting economic growth, tourism and sustainable mobility.