Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor Fully Operational

PM Launches Final Sections of India’s First RRTS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the remaining stretches of the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), completing the 82-km Delhi–Meerut corridor. The newly opened segments include the 5-km Sarai Kale Khan–New Ashok Nagar section in Delhi and the 21-km Meerut South–Modipuram link in Uttar Pradesh. The system now operates seamlessly alongside the Meerut Metro, marking a transformative leap in regional high-speed mobility.

Multi-Modal Connectivity Framework

Sarai Kale Khan has emerged as a key multi-modal transport hub, integrating Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, the Delhi Metro Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT and Ring Road. Similar interconnectivity has been implemented at Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad and Meerut, linking rapid rail, metro networks, Indian Railways and bus terminals.

Such integration is designed to streamline commuter movement, minimise transfer delays and enhance travel efficiency across the National Capital Region (NCR).

Economic and Urban Mobility Impact

The corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut, thereby reshaping residential and employment patterns. Enhanced connectivity may lower migration pressure on Delhi while supporting distributed urban growth.

Officials highlighted that large-scale infrastructure projects — including expressways, freight corridors and the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar — are collectively strengthening regional economic integration and employment generation.

Expansion of Rapid Rail Network

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal announced proposals for additional rapid rail corridors originating from Sarai Kale Khan. One planned route will connect Karnal in Haryana, while another aims to link Babarpur (Haryana) and Neemrana (Rajasthan), further expanding high-speed regional transit coverage.

Environmental Significance

Rapid rail systems are positioned as sustainable transport solutions capable of reducing vehicular congestion and carbon emissions by shifting commuters from private vehicles to mass transit.

Exam-Focused Key Points

• Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor spans 82 km.

• India’s first operational Regional Rapid Transit System.

• Integrated with Meerut Metro for intra-city mobility.

• Sarai Kale Khan functions as multi-modal hub.

• Rapid rail reduces travel time, congestion and emissions.