Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated a crucial 13-kilometre stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity within the National Capital Region (NCR). This stretch between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar marks the expansion of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in the region, fulfilling a long-standing dream for fast, safe, and efficient travel.
The RRTS, designed to ease congestion and provide fast connectivity, is built on the Central Place Theory, which posits that settlements grow around central locations that offer services to surrounding suburbs. The new rail system will help reduce travel time between major business districts and their suburbs, a critical factor in easing urban congestion.
Here are the key facts about the Namo Bharat corridor and the RRTS project:
RRTS Corridor Length and Cost
The RRTS corridor from Delhi to Meerut spans 84 kilometers and is being built at a cost of Rs 30,274 crore. The project aims to cut down the travel time from Jangpura in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut to just one hour.
Daily Ridership and Stations
The National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) estimates that the RRTS will see around 800,000 daily passengers, with 25 stations planned along the route. Of the total 84 km, 68 km will be elevated, 13 km will be underground, and 3 km will be at grade. The full operation is expected to be completed by 2025.
Delhi Portion of RRTS
In Delhi, the RRTS will feature four stations, with 3.8 kilometers of the corridor underground out of the 14 kilometers planned in the city. There is also a proposal for a two-kilometer extension of the RRTS from Sarai Kale Khan to Jangpura.
Namo Bharat Train Operations
The first Namo Bharat train, representing India’s first RRTS, began operations on a 17-kilometer priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot on October 20, 2023. Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation for the project in March 2019. Following the recent inauguration, the operational corridor now extends to 55 kilometers.
Fare Details
The fare for traveling from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South on the operational stretch of the RRTS is Rs 150 for a standard coach and Rs 225 for a premium coach. The minimum fare for standard travel is Rs 20, while premium coach fares start at Rs 30.
Difference Between RRTS, Metro, and Traditional Railways
RRTS trains are designed to travel at speeds exceeding 160 km/h, offering faster services compared to traditional Metro or rail systems. This high-speed connectivity will reduce travel time by about one-third, enabling passengers to cover the distance between Delhi and Meerut in under 60 minutes. RRTS trains will also run frequently, with intervals of just 15 minutes.
Ownership and Operations
The RRTS is owned by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which was established in 2013 as a joint venture of the Governments of India and the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Deutsche Bahn (DB), the national railway company of Germany, has been chosen to operate and maintain the RRTS for 12 years, with an option to extend for an additional five years. The RRTS trains, named Namo Bharat, are designed to be the fastest rapid transit trains in India, reaching an operational speed of 160 km/h.
Manufacturers of the Trains
Bombardier Transportation, now acquired by Alstom, a leading French railway company, is supplying 210 coaches. These coaches will be used in 30 trainsets, each consisting of six coaches. The trains are being manufactured at Alstom’s plant in Savli, Gujarat.
The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS, under the Namo Bharat corridor, represents a major leap forward in India’s public transport infrastructure, offering residents of the National Capital Region a faster, safer, and more reliable mode of travel. With the full operation slated for 2025, this project is set to change the way millions of commuters travel between these vital urban centres.
Key Highlights:
- 84-km RRTS corridor connecting Delhi to Meerut
- Rs 30,274 crore cost for the entire project
- Expected daily ridership: 800,000 passengers
- Namo Bharat trains designed to travel at 160 km/h
- Stations in Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut
- Fully operational by 2025, with a significant reduction in travel time
Sources By Agencies