Commuters between Delhi and Meerut are about to experience a major transportation breakthrough. India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), known as the Namo Bharat corridor, is nearing full completion and is expected to become fully operational by the end of June 2025.
Once launched, the high-speed rail will reduce the travel time between Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan and Meerut’s Modipuram to just 45 minutes, transforming the daily commute for thousands of passengers.
What is the Namo Bharat Corridor?
The RRTS project spans 82 kilometers, designed to provide fast, safe, and modern rail transit for the National Capital Region (NCR). The corridor aims to decongest roads, reduce pollution, and offer a seamless alternative to conventional transport.
Operational So Far: 55 km stretch with 11 stations
Under Construction: Final 27 km, currently in the last phase of work
Expected Completion: End of June 2025
Progress So Far
- Trial runs are ongoing on the unfinished sections:
- Sarai Kale Khan to New Ashok Nagar (Delhi)
- Meerut South to Modipuram (U.P.)
- The Sarai Kale Khan terminal is nearly ready, featuring:
- 12 escalators
- 4 lifts
- 5 entry/exit points
- Platform screen doors for safety
- In Meerut, the final segment includes three new stations:
- Shatabdi Nagar (Elevated)
- Begumpul (Underground, located in a busy market area)
- Modipuram (Terminal station near the highway)
India’s First Metro-RRTS Shared Track
For the first time in India, the upcoming Meerut Metro will share the same track infrastructure with the RRTS. The 23-km metro stretch includes 13 stations, out of which three are underground.
Massive Ridership and Cost Efficiency
Since its partial launch in October 2023, over 1 crore passengers have already traveled on Namo Bharat trains. With options like discounted fares and partnerships for last-mile connectivity, the corridor offers both affordability and speed.
Key Highlights
- Travel time: 45 minutes (Delhi to Meerut)
- Total length: 82 km
- Operational phase: 55 km already functional
- Final launch: Expected by June 2025
- Project managed by: National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)
This revolutionary infrastructure marks a giant leap forward in India’s regional transit development, setting a benchmark for future projects in other metropolitan areas.