Rishikesh Railway Station to be Developed as Feeder Hub to Ease Haridwar Congestion
The Ministry of Railways has announced plans to develop Rishikesh railway station in Uttarakhand as a feeder station, aiming to reduce congestion at the busy Haridwar station. The project is expected to improve train connectivity, increase capacity for additional trains, and enhance passenger experience, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons.
A feeder station supports a busier station by originating, terminating or diverting trains and passengers. The move is intended to alleviate the heavy traffic at Haridwar, which sees a surge in pilgrims visiting religious sites such as Har Ki Pauri.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement on Saturday, stating that a master plan is being prepared to create additional capacity and improve connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Haridwar and Rishikesh. The minister noted that the development would help manage the growing number of trains and passengers in the region.
Rishikesh, known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World', is a major destination for pilgrims and tourists. The station currently handles a limited number of trains, but the upgrade is expected to transform it into a key transit point. The project is part of a broader effort by the Railways to modernise infrastructure and decongest major stations across the country.
Details of the master plan, including the estimated cost and timeline, have not yet been released. However, the Railways is likely to focus on expanding platform capacity, adding waiting areas, and improving connectivity to Haridwar and other parts of Uttarakhand.
The announcement has been welcomed by local residents and tourism stakeholders, who believe it will boost economic activity and make travel easier for visitors. At the same time, environmental groups have urged the Railways to ensure that the development is sustainable and minimises impact on the ecologically sensitive region.
The Rishikesh feeder station project is expected to be implemented in phases, with initial works likely to begin within the next fiscal year.
