Ready for 50-km length, 50 lakh commuters served: Milestones by India's first RRTS in 2024

Trains of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS ahead of the inauguration of a priority section between Duhai and Modinagar North, covering 17 km, in March

India’s first RRTS train service, the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, is all set to touch 50 km of operational length in 2025 with the additional 13-km stretch in Delhi soon to become functional. Also, it has served 50 lakh commuters to date, said an official statement on Monday.

The first stretch of the service began in October 2023 with the 17-km priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot. But, it was 2024 when the service expanded.

With one in March and another in August, two sections were launched taking the total length of the service to more than 40 km. “This momentum has continued seamlessly into the final days of the year, with an additional 13-km stretch of the Delhi section of the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor set to become operational, offering enhanced connectivity for the people. With this expansion, the currently operational section of the Namo Bharat corridor will now increase from 42 km to 55 km with 11 stations," an official statement read.

Not just the length, but the number of people served by the regional rapid transit system (RRTS) is also increasing. It has offered ridership to over 50 lakh commuters, marking their trust and further solidifying its position as an essential transport solution for the region.

According to the official statement, the construction of the remaining corridor sections is swiftly progressing. “Civil work on the remaining 5-km stretches between New Ashok Nagar to Sarai Kale Khan and 23-km stretch from Meerut South to Modipuram is nearing completion, with track-laying work and OHE (overhead equipment) installation in progress. The NCRTC (National Capital Region Transport Corporation) is on track to operationalise the entire corridor by the scheduled deadline in 2025," it added.

On the Meerut Metro project, the NCRTC said an exciting milestone was achieved in February with the unveiling of the first train set and the ceremonial handover of its keys in Gujarat’s Savli.

“Since then, seven train sets have arrived at the depot in Delhi. Currently, train testing and trials are underway in preparation for Meerut Metro operations. These trains are designed to operate at a maximum speed of 120 kmph. The 23-km Meerut Metro corridor will feature 13 stations, with an 18-km elevated and 5-km underground section," the statement read.

Both the elevated and underground sections in the Meerut area are complete, with Meerut Metro stations beginning to take shape. “This year has been a momentous one for NCRTC and the Namo Bharat project, characterised by significant milestones and noteworthy accomplishments. From the successful initiation of services to receiving global recognition, NCRTC has concluded the year on a high note. As we look to the future, the coming year holds great promise, with NCRTC aiming to operationalise the entire Namo Bharat corridor," it added.