Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor Nears Full Commissioning
The long-awaited full commissioning of the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor is anticipated to occur this month, marking a significant milestone for India's transportation infrastructure. According to an official source within the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), the final approval process is currently in its concluding stages, which will pave the way for the complete rollout of the nation's first regional rapid transit system (RRTS).
Current Operational Status and Ridership
Presently, a 55-kilometer stretch of this semi-high-speed corridor is already operational, covering 11 stations from New Ashok Nagar in Delhi to Meerut South. Since services commenced in October 2023, this line has recorded an impressive more than 2.2 crore commuter trips, demonstrating strong adoption and utility across the region.
Remaining Segments and Inauguration Plans
The remaining segments of the corridor are now ready for operation and are set to be inaugurated in February. These include:
- A 5-kilometer Delhi stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar.
- A 21-kilometer stretch from Meerut South to Modipuram.
Additionally, Meerut Metro services will soon begin operating on the same infrastructure, making this the first system in India to run both regional and metro trains on shared tracks, enhancing connectivity and efficiency.
Financial Support from Uttar Pradesh Government
Amid this expansion, the Uttar Pradesh government has made a key financial provision to support the corridor. In the 2026–27 state budget, Rs 1 crore was allocated as a loan to help recover from operational losses of the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor. This allocation falls under loans for urban development and is categorized as investment support for the project, underscoring the state's commitment to the initiative.
Project Overview and Phased Commissioning
The Namo Bharat corridor, constructed at a total cost of Rs 30,274 crore, includes 16 stations and has been commissioned in phases:
- The first 17-kilometer priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in October 2023.
- This was followed by successive extensions in March 2024, August 2024, and January 2025.
Expected Impact and Future Goals
With the final inauguration now expected within a fortnight, NCRTC aims to operationalize the full 82-kilometer high-speed corridor. This development is projected to cut travel time significantly between Delhi and Meerut, transforming daily mobility across the National Capital Region and setting a benchmark for future rapid transit systems in India.
