Uttarakhand Govt proposes extension of Delhi–Meerut RRTS Corridor to Haridwar and Rishikesh

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant push to regional connectivity, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has urged the Central Government to extend the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor from Modipuram in Meerut to Haridwar. The proposal was discussed during a meeting with Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar. Alongside this, the state has also proposed a dedicated metro corridor connecting Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh.

If approved, the twin proposals could create a continuous high-speed rail connectivity from Delhi to the foothills of the Himalayas, transforming mobility, tourism and regional development across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Extending Namo Bharat Beyond Meerut

At present, the Namo Bharat RRTS operates between Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi and Modipuram in Meerut. The proposed extension would push the corridor further north, largely following the alignment of National Highway 58, and connecting key economic and cultural centres.

The planned route is expected to pass through Modipuram, Daurala-Sakauti, Khatauli, Purkazi, Roorkee, Jwalapur in Haridwar, and finally terminate at Rishikesh. These locations include industrial hubs, educational institutions such as IIT Roorkee, and major tourism destinations, making the corridor strategically significant.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “The proposed extension of the Namo Bharat corridor to Haridwar and Rishikesh reflects a visionary approach to integrating regional mobility with economic development. Such corridors go beyond transportation—they act as catalysts for tourism, real estate growth and industrial expansion. If executed effectively, this project could redefine connectivity between Delhi-NCR and Uttarakhand.”

Economic Corridor in the Making

Beyond mobility, the project is being viewed as a potential economic corridor that could reshape development patterns across the Delhi–Meerut–Haridwar belt. Modipuram is expected to emerge as a key interchange hub, while cities like Muzaffarnagar could see increased interest in industrial and logistics investments.

Roorkee, with its academic prominence, may witness rising demand for student housing, while Haridwar and Rishikesh could experience a surge in tourism-driven real estate, including holiday homes and serviced apartments. Travel time between Delhi and Rishikesh is projected to reduce to approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, making weekend travel significantly more accessible.

Challenges in Execution Remain

Despite its transformative potential, the project faces several challenges. The alignment between Roorkee and Rishikesh passes through ecologically sensitive zones, including the Rajaji National Park, necessitating stringent environmental clearances. Land acquisition along the NH-58 corridor, where property prices are already high, could further escalate project costs.

Additionally, the terrain near Rishikesh may require elevated structures or tunnelling, adding to technical complexity and financial requirements. These factors will play a crucial role in determining the feasibility and timeline of the project.

Next Steps for Approval

The proposal is currently at a preliminary stage and will require consensus among multiple stakeholders, including the Central Government, the Uttar Pradesh Government and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). Detailed feasibility studies and approvals will determine the path forward.

If realised, the corridor could mark a paradigm shift in regional mobility, offering fast, reliable and sustainable connectivity from Delhi to some of North India’s most important spiritual and tourism destinations.