Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal announced on Monday that the commissioning of the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) networks linking Delhi-Panipat and Delhi to Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror and Alwar is expected to commence next year. The minister made the announcement during a visit to key stations along the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of Namo Bharat operations, which have served over 4 million passengers.

Starting his visit at Anand Vihar RRTS Station, Lal was briefed on the station's innovative design and its importance within the RRTS network. The strategically designed Anand Vihar station is located just one level below ground to facilitate easy access and seamless integration with various transport modes, making it a crucial commuter hub.

With its proximity to two metro lines, a railway station, and two inter-state bus terminals in Delhi and Kaushambi, Anand Vihar is poised to become one of the busiest transit hubs in the region.

"Commuters will soon be able to travel around 50 to 100 kilometers via RRTS. The first RRTS project from Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut is currently underway, with some sections already completed," Lal stated. He noted that RRTS operations at Anand Vihar are in the trial phase and are likely to become operational by December.

Regarding the projects connecting to Panipat and the Rajasthan border, Lal mentioned that some formalities are pending, which are expected to be completed within a month. After that, the tendering process will begin, with commissioning anticipated next year.

During his visit, Lal interacted with women train operators at Sahibabad station, recognizing their essential contributions to India’s first RRTS corridor. Trial runs have recently begun to connect New Ashok Nagar and Anand Vihar RRTS stations with the operational Sahibabad station.

Since the launch of Namo Bharat trains on October 21, 2023, they have significantly improved commuting across Ghaziabad and surrounding regions, serving over 4 million passengers in the first year. The Ghaziabad RRTS Station recorded the highest footfall, followed by Sahibabad and Modinagar North stations.

Lal was also informed about several groundbreaking technologies being used for the first time globally, part of the Namo Bharat project under the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first 17-kilometer priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot on October 20 last year. Another 17-kilometer stretch from Duhai to Modinagar North was inaugurated on March 6, followed by the operationalization of Meerut South RRTS Station on August 18.

Currently, Namo Bharat services operate over a 42-kilometer stretch with nine stations, including Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, and Meerut South. The corridor will soon extend to 54 kilometers with the addition of the Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar section. Once the entire 82-kilometer corridor is completed by June 2025, passengers will be able to travel from Delhi to Meerut in under an hour, enhancing regional connectivity and the overall commuter experience.