Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor Expansion: Prime Minister Inaugurates Critical Delhi Section, Revolutionizing Regional Transit

Inauguration Event and Key Development

On January 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a significant 13-kilometer section of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. This new section connects Sahibabad in Uttar Pradesh to New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, marking a crucial expansion of the RRTS network into the national capital. During the inauguration, the Prime Minister personally experienced the service by taking a ride on the Namo Bharat train from Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar station, where he engaged with children and passengers.

Operational Details and Service Parameters

The newly operational section forms part of a larger 55-kilometer corridor stretching from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South, encompassing 11 stations. Regular passenger services commenced at 5 PM on the inauguration day, with trains operating at 15-minute intervals. The fare structure has been set at ₹150 for standard coach travel and ₹225 for premium coach services between New Ashok Nagar and Meerut South, making it an accessible transportation option for various commuter segments.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Features

A significant aspect of this extension is the inclusion of a 6-kilometer underground stretch, featuring the strategically important Anand Vihar station. This station serves as a major transit hub, integrating multiple transport modes by connecting the Blue and Pink Lines of the Delhi Metro, a railway station, and a bus terminal. The New Ashok Nagar RRTS station also provides crucial interchange facilities with the Delhi Metro’s Blue Line, enhancing the network’s connectivity and accessibility.

Project Development Timeline

This inauguration builds upon the previous milestone achieved on October 20, 2024, when the 17-kilometer priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot was launched. The progressive development of the RRTS corridor demonstrates the systematic implementation of this ambitious infrastructure project, with each phase contributing to the overall regional connectivity goals.

Impact on Regional Connectivity

The launch of this new section has revolutionized travel between Delhi and Meerut, reducing journey times by approximately two-thirds. The most significant benefit is the ability to travel from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South in less than 40 minutes, offering commuters a dramatically faster alternative to existing transport options. This improvement in travel time is expected to have substantial positive impacts on regional mobility and economic activity.

Comprehensive Network Overview

The complete Namo Bharat corridor spans an impressive 82 kilometers, connecting Sarai Kale Khan in New Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut. The infrastructure includes 16 Namo Bharat stations along the main corridor and nine additional Meerut Metro stations, creating a comprehensive transit network that serves both inter-city and intra-city transportation needs.

Future Implications and Regional Development

This expansion represents a significant step in modernizing India’s regional transportation infrastructure. The RRTS corridor is expected to catalyze economic development along its route, reduce traffic congestion, and provide environmentally sustainable transport options. The success of this project could serve as a model for similar regional rapid transit systems across India, potentially transforming how metropolitan regions are connected.

The inauguration of this section marks a crucial milestone in India’s infrastructure development, demonstrating the government’s commitment to modern, efficient, and integrated transportation solutions. The project’s completion and successful operation will likely influence future urban planning and regional development strategies across the country.