PM Modi Inaugurates Namo Bharat Corridor: 40-Minute Travel Time Between Delhi and Meerut
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): On January 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Namo Bharat Corridor, marking a major milestone in regional connectivity between Delhi and Meerut. This new 13-kilometer stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) links Sahibabad in Uttar Pradesh with New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, reducing travel time to Meerut South to just under 40 minutes—a one-third decrease compared to previous travel options. During the inauguration, PM Modi took a ride on a Namo Bharat train engaging with passengers and schoolchildren, showcasing the project's emphasis on community involvement.
The newly opened section brings the total length of the Namo Bharat Corridor to 55 kilometers with 11 stations now operational. Passenger services began at 5 PM on the same day with trains scheduled to run every 15 minutes. A key feature of the corridor is its 6-kilometer underground section with Anand Vihar station serving as a critical transportation hub. It connects multiple modes of transport, including the Blue and Pink Lines of the Delhi Metro. This marks the first time that Namo Bharat trains will operate in an underground environment within Delhi. The fare for this service is ₹150 for standard coaches and ₹225 for premium coaches, offering an affordable commuting option.
Once fully operational, the Namo Bharat corridor is set to ease traffic congestion by removing over 1,00,000 private vehicles from the roads and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 2,50,000 tonnes annually. The corridor spans 82 kilometers, connecting Sarai Kale Khan in New Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut with plans for additional stations to further improve connectivity. This development not only provides faster travel between two major cities but also aims to boost trade and tourism in the region, contributing to economic growth. The launch of Namo Bharat trains represents a transformative shift in public transportation, promoting greater integration of urban transport systems for the residents of Delhi and Meerut.
