Namo Bharat Train to Connect Meerut and Delhi in Just 35 Minutes


The Namo Bharat trains entered Delhi as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 13-km section from Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar via Anand Vihar. Before flagging off the trains from Rohini, he took a ride across the new section and interacted with passengers.

With the addition of the new section, 55 km of the total 82 km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor became operational. Commuters traveling from New Ashok Nagar in Delhi to Meerut South station in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut city can now reach their destination in 40 minutes, while the journey between Meerut South and Anand Vihar takes just 35 minutes. Trains will be available every 15 minutes.

Demonstrating the ease and accessibility of digital payments integrated into public transport services, Modi purchased a national common mobility card (NCMC) using the UPI payment system. He then boarded the Namo Bharat train from Sahibabad at around 11:20 am and deboarded at New Ashok Nagar RRTS station in nine minutes. During the journey, he interacted with travelers from various backgrounds. Engineering students shared their aspirations and discussed the corridor's technological advancements, while school students showcased their creativity through artwork, poetry, and songs inspired by the project. Regular commuters expressed how the Namo Bharat trains had transformed their daily lives. Modi also interacted with women train operators and station controllers, commending their role in the operations.

While inaugurating the project at Rohini, Modi recalled his earlier train ride and mentioned that he had interacted with many youngsters who were filled with joy and hope. The Prime Minister emphasized that once the Namo Bharat project is complete, it will significantly change traffic on the Delhi-Meerut route.

Of the newly inaugurated 13 km section, 6 km is underground at Anand Vihar, marking the first time that Namo Bharat trains will operate in an underground section. An official from the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which is executing the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, stated that Namo Bharat is a long-term strategic intervention by the government aimed at decongesting the national capital, reducing vehicular congestion and air pollution, and promoting balanced and sustainable regional development. Once the entire 82 km Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor is operational, it will remove more than 1 lakh private vehicles from the roads and reduce carbon emissions by 2.5 lakh tonnes.

The entire corridor is expected to be ready by June, and further construction in other sections, such as New Ashok Nagar-Sarai Kale Khan and Meerut South-Modipuram, is progressing rapidly, according to an official.

The Anand Vihar Namo Bharat station seamlessly integrates with other transport modes, including the Inter-State and City Bus Stands in Delhi, the UPSRTC bus stand at Kaushambi, Anand Vihar railway station, and a metro station serving the pink and blue lines. This marks the city's first multi-modal transport integration point. An official highlighted that the station will benefit not only residents from nearby areas like Shreshtha Vihar, Ramprastha, Brij Vihar, and Surajmal Vihar but also commuters from across Delhi and other parts of the country.

Similarly, the New Ashok Nagar station is connected with the blue line, providing a smooth commute for residents of Mayur Vihar, New Ashok Nagar, Chilla Village, Vasundhara, and Noida. Such an integration has also been planned for the under-construction Sarai Kale Khan station.

One coach in each train is reserved for women, and other coaches have reserved seats for women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. An official mentioned that specific spaces are provided for wheelchairs and stretchers, and a train attendant is available at each train to assist passengers. Additionally, panic buttons are present in the coaches and on the platform screen doors for emergency help.

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