On January 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the 13-km stretch of the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) connecting New Ashok Nagar in Delhi to Sahibabad in Uttar Pradesh. This milestone marks a major leap in the Rs 4,600 crore project, with the Namo Bharat Corridor now spanning 55 km across 11 stations, extending all the way to Meerut South.
Transforming Travel: Delhi-Meerut in Under 40 Minutes
The high-speed RRTS will revolutionize travel between Delhi and Meerut, slashing commute times to under an hour. Passengers can now travel from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South in just 40 minutes, a significant time reduction of one-third. Previously, the Namo Bharat train operated only between Sahibabad and Meerut, but with the new section, the journey is even more seamless.
Boosting Regional Connectivity
Covering one of the most densely populated areas of the National Capital Region, the 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor promises to boost regional development by connecting bustling townships and economic hubs. The PM even took a test ride on the new 13-km stretch, which is now open to the public, with trains running every 15 minutes starting January 5, 2025, at 5 pm.
Affordable Fares for Seamless Commute
Fare options are affordable, with a standard coach ticket priced at Rs 150 for the full route from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South, and a premium coach at Rs 225. For shorter distances, fares range from Rs 20 to Rs 150 in the standard coach and Rs 30 to Rs 225 in the premium class.
New Stations Enhance Connectivity
The newly inaugurated stretch has stations at Anand Vihar ISBT and New Ashok Nagar, providing easy access to the extensive Delhi Metro network. While some sections, including New Ashok Nagar to Jangpura in Delhi and Meerut South to Modipuram, are still under construction, the network’s rapid development has already seen over 50 lakh passengers since its launch in October 2023.
Rapid Progress on Future Sections
With the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor being the first of eight planned corridors, the project is progressing quickly and is set to transform regional connectivity. As construction continues, the completed network will feature 16 Namo Bharat stations, plus an additional nine stations for the Meerut Metro, making it a comprehensive solution for stress-free travel.
Looking Ahead: A New Era in Regional Transit
As ridership continues to grow, the Delhi-Meerut RRTS is set to become a key player in regional transit, offering passengers a fast, affordable, and convenient way to travel between Delhi and its neighboring areas. The ongoing development reflects a commitment to modernizing transportation infrastructure and improving the quality of life for commuters.
(With inputs from PTI)
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