Travel to Uttarakhand’s Garhwal hills may soon become much faster. Two big rail projects could change the journey from Delhi. First, the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail line will link Rishikesh deep into Garhwal. Second, a planned Namo Bharat extension could bring Delhi within about 2.5 hours of Rishikesh.
Delhi to Rishikesh in About 2.5 Hours
Delhi already has a Namo Bharat link to Meerut. Now, a planned extension from Meerut towards Haridwar and Rishikesh could cut travel time sharply. According to project projections cited in reports, Delhi–Rishikesh travel could fall to about 2 to 2.5 hours. However, this depends on the extension moving ahead.
What Is Namo Bharat?
Namo Bharat is India’s Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) builds and runs it. Notably, its trains are designed for speeds of up to 180 km per hour. So, it links cities around Delhi with fast, frequent services.
Rishikesh to Karnaprayag in 2 to 2.5 Hours
At present, the road trip from Rishikesh to Karnaprayag takes six to seven hours. Also, it depends heavily on traffic and road conditions. In contrast, the new railway should cut this to about 2 to 2.5 hours. Thus, it will transform travel in the Garhwal region.
Key Features of the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Line
- Length: About 125 km
- Districts: Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag and Chamoli
- Tunnels: Most of the route runs through tunnels
- Longest tunnel: About 14.57 km between Devprayag and Janasu, India’s longest rail tunnel
- Builder: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
Benefits for Uttarakhand
The rail line will offer all-weather connectivity to hill towns. Therefore, pilgrims heading to Badrinath and Kedarnath will gain from it. Moreover, it will support local trade, tourism and jobs. In addition, it has strategic value near the China border. Likewise, it can help move people and supplies during disasters.
Why the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Line Matters for UKPSC
Notably, rail and road projects in the hills are frequent UKPSC topics. So, remember the length, the districts and the longest tunnel. Also, note the Namo Bharat RRTS link plan. For official updates, also visit Rail Vikas Nigam Limited. Next, for a related story, read about Uttarakhand’s 51 ropeway projects. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
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