Minister Manohar Lal Marks One Year of Namo Bharat Operations, Highlights Rapid Rail’s Impact on Commuters

New Delhi: In a significant event commemorating one year of Namo Bharat operations, Hon’ble Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Minister of Power, Manohar Lal, took a special ride on the Namo Bharat train along the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS (Regional Rapid Transit System) corridor. During the visit, he highlighted the rapid progress of the RRTS project and its transformative impact on intercity travel.

Manohar Lal praised the cutting-edge technology behind the RRTS, which boasts an average speed of 80 km/h and a maximum operational speed of 160 km/h, far surpassing the 30 km/h average speed of metro rail systems. He emphasized that this development would offer commuters a convenient and faster alternative for intercity travel.

The Minister boarded the train from Sahibabad station, interacting with women train operators and acknowledging their significant contributions to India’s first RRTS corridor. He also engaged with passengers, gathering feedback on their experience with the Namo Bharat service. Many passengers praised the convenience, speed, and comfort, noting the positive impact the service has had on their daily commute.

To celebrate the one-year anniversary, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) organized a special event for school students, who enjoyed a joyful ride on the high-speed trains, complete with chocolates and festive celebrations. Commuters at key stations were welcomed with traditional dhol beats, chocolates, and mementos, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Manohar Lal began his visit at Anand Vihar RRTS Station, where NCRTC MD, Shri Shalabh Goel, provided a detailed briefing on the station’s unique design and its critical role within the overall RRTS network. Anand Vihar Station, constructed just below ground level, is strategically positioned to connect with metro lines, railways, and inter-state bus terminals, making it one of the region’s busiest transit hubs.

The Minister also toured Sahibabad RRTS Station, where he observed various passenger-centric amenities. He was presented with live models and demonstrations of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), offering an immersive look into the innovative infrastructure and advanced technologies driving the development of the RRTS.

Since its launch on October 21, 2023, Namo Bharat has transformed commuting across the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, serving over 4 million passengers in its first year. Ghaziabad RRTS Station recorded the highest footfall, followed by Sahibabad and Meerut South stations. The system, developed under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, has introduced groundbreaking technologies, many of which are being used globally for the first time.

Shri Manohar Lal was also briefed on the ongoing expansion of the Namo Bharat corridor. Currently, the service operates across 42 kilometers, covering nine stations. The corridor will soon extend to 54 kilometers with the addition of the Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar section, including key stations like Anand Vihar.

The Honourable Prime Minister of India inaugurated the first 17-kilometer stretch between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot on October 20, 2023, followed by further expansions in 2024. The entire 82-kilometer corridor is expected to be completed by June 2025, allowing passengers to travel from Delhi to Meerut in under an hour, revolutionizing regional connectivity and enhancing the commuter experience.

By providing high-speed connectivity between suburban areas and reducing travel time, the RRTS is set to play a vital role in addressing the challenges of urban expansion in the National Capital Region (NCR).