Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 82-kilometre Namo Bharat rapid rail corridor across the National Capital Region (NCR) on Sunday, marking the full commissioning of India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) line.
The high-speed corridor, developed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), will connect Delhi to Meerut in just 55 minutes. Trains on the route are designed to operate at speeds of up to 160 km per hour.
Route and Infrastructure
Stretching from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut, the 82.15-km corridor is expected to significantly boost regional connectivity and spur economic and urban development across western Uttar Pradesh and the NCR.
Of the total length, nearly 70 km is elevated and about 12 km runs underground. Around 14 km of the project lies in Delhi, while approximately 68 km is in Uttar Pradesh. Two maintenance depots have been constructed at Duhai and Modipuram.
The project, built at an estimated cost of ₹30,274 crore, has been financed through contributions from the Centre and state governments, along with multilateral institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, New Development Bank, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Phased Expansion
The foundation stone of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor was laid on March 8, 2019. Despite delays caused by the pandemic, construction progressed in phases.
- The first 17-km priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot became operational on October 20, 2023.
- A 17-km extension up to Modinagar North opened on March 6, 2024.
- The stretch up to Meerut South was launched on August 18, 2024.
- On January 5, 2025, a 13-km segment from Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar enabled entry into Delhi.
- With the final segments—5 km from New Ashok Nagar to Sarai Kale Khan and 21 km from Meerut South to Modipuram—now ready, the entire corridor will function as a seamless continuous line.
Modern Features and Integration
Sixteen stations have been developed along the route, equipped with platform screen doors synchronized with train doors to enhance passenger safety. The trains feature 2×2 seating, premium coaches, mobile charging points, CCTV surveillance, fire safety systems, and selective door-opening technology.
Stations are being integrated with metro networks, railway stations, and bus terminals to create multimodal transport hubs. Commuters can use QR-based ticketing and the National Common Mobility Card under the “One Nation, One Card” initiative.
Officials estimate the corridor will increase the region’s public transport share from 37% to 63%. Sustainability features such as solar panels, regenerative braking systems, and rainwater harvesting have also been incorporated.
The Delhi-Meerut line is the first segment of the proposed NCR RRTS network, with additional corridors—Delhi-Alwar and Delhi-Panipat—planned in the coming years. Authorities describe the February 22 launch as a transformative milestone in northern India’s regional transport infrastructure.