Published On:
October 24, 2025
Updated On:
October 24, 2025
The Delhi–Meerut RRTS, rebranded as NaMo Bharat, is India’s first regional rapid transit system. Built by NCRTC, it links Delhi, Ghaziabad & Meerut in just 45 minutes. This flagship ₹30,000 crore project blends technology, speed, and economic transformation.
The NaMo Bharat (Delhi–Meerut RRTS) marks a turning point in India’s public transport story.
Developed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), this 82.15 km corridor connects Delhi, Ghaziabad & Meerut with world-class speed, safety & comfort.
With trains running at up to 180 km/h, it’s designed to decongest roads, cut travel time to 45 minutes, and integrate nearby cities into one high-growth corridor.
The project falls under the Make in India initiative and uses advanced European Train Control System (ETCS Level 2) signalling for safety and automation.
The Delhi–Meerut RRTS, now known as NaMo Bharat, is being rolled out in three major phases to ensure smooth integration and testing.
The first phase, called the Priority Corridor, was inaugurated on October 21, 2023. This 17-kilometre stretch between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot marked the first public launch of India’s Regional Rapid Transit System. It allowed NCRTC to demonstrate the train’s high-speed capability, passenger comfort, and app-based ticketing features.
The second phase was launched on January 5, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This 13-kilometre extension connected Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, officially bringing NaMo Bharat trains into the capital. During the inauguration, the Prime Minister rode the train and interacted with passengers and schoolchildren on board, symbolizing a milestone in India’s modern transit expansion.
The third and final phase, covering the full 82.15-kilometre corridor from Sarai Kale Khan (Delhi) to Modipuram (Meerut), is expected to become operational around September 17, 2025. Once this section opens, passengers will be able to travel between Delhi and Meerut in just 45 minutes, reducing the travel time by nearly two hours compared to road journeys.
This phased rollout ensures that each segment is fully tested, safe, and integrated with existing metro networks — preparing the NaMo Bharat to become a model for future regional rail projects across India.
The corridor starts from Sarai Kale Khan (Delhi) and ends at Modipuram (Meerut), passing through 22 stations.
Key interchange points:
Out of the 82 km corridor, 11.5 km is underground (Anand Vihar, Meerut Central, Bhaisali & Begumpul stations).
NaMo Bharat trains are built with cutting-edge European standards:
An MoU with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) ensures part of the energy requirement comes from renewables.
Every train set has six coaches — Standard, Premium and Women’s coach.
Premium coaches include:
All stations feature platform screen doors, smart ticket vending machines, and digital signage for seamless passenger flow.
NCRTC has introduced flexible fares for Standard and Premium classes.
Tickets can be purchased through:
Each station has 2–4 ticket vending machines for easy access.
The Delhi–Meerut RRTS is a multi-layered financing model combining domestic & international support:
The total project cost is about ₹30,274 crore (USD 3.6 billion).
By March 2025, over 35,000 daily commuters used NaMo Bharat.
Ridership is expected to exceed 8 lakh per day after full launch.
The service reduces road traffic and pollution, cutting emissions of NOx, CO and particulate matter significantly.
The NaMo Bharat corridor is already driving major urban growth across Delhi NCR:
These developments are expected to generate thousands of jobs and improve access to healthcare & education.
Construction is underway for a 72.26 km RapidX-cum-Metro corridor linking Ghaziabad to the Noida International Airport (Jewar).
Phase 1 will cover 25 stations, including Pari Chowk, Dankaur, YEIDA North & YEIDA Central.
This extension will connect Delhi, Noida & Meerut directly to the airport — transforming NCR into a globally connected hub.
NaMo Bharat aims to cut commute time and carbon emissions simultaneously.
According to NCRTC estimates:
The project aligns with India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment and serves as a template for future urban transit systems.
The Delhi–Meerut NaMo Bharat is more than a train — it’s a symbol of India’s urban future.
By integrating speed, technology and sustainability, it shows how regional transport can reshape entire economies.
Once fully operational, the corridor will not only connect cities — it will connect opportunity, reduce emissions, and define the next chapter of smart infrastructure in India.
