Budget unveils ambitious plans for Namo Bharat Trains and Metro Expansions in Delhi-NCR

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In the recent budget speech, the Central Government has emphasized the inclusion of Namo Bharat trains as a priority for seamless travel between cities. The focus is on improving connectivity, and the Delhi-Meerut route, spanning a distance of 17 kilometers, is already operational with Namo Bharat services. The upcoming year is expected to witness the extension of Namo Bharat services between Sarai Kale Khan and Meerut. Additionally, preparations for the Delhi-Alwar route have commenced, with a route change in progress in Gurugram. Following the success of the AeroCity project, Namo Bharat operations will be facilitated on the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).

Namo Bharat trains have received significant allocations in the budget, with Rs. 4,710 crores allocated in the fiscal year 2022-23. Subsequent annual allocations of Rs. 3,596 crores for the years 2023-24 and 2024-25 indicate sustained financial support. Experts suggest that as ongoing projects progress, there may be an increase in allocations for work on the second track in the future.

Railway-related development and security initiatives in the capital have also been addressed in the budget, with an allocation of Rs. 2,577 crores. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav claims that this allocation is more than 25 times the amount Delhi Railways received during the UP-2 government's tenure. Plans for constructing a new track between Delhi and Alwar, covering a distance of 104 kilometers, have been announced for the fiscal year 2024-25. New lines, spanning 2.65 kilometers, will be established between New Delhi and Tilak Bridge.

Following the announcement of Metro expansion in the budget, hopes are high for the extension of the metro route from Sahibabad to Noida Sector-62. The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has been working on this plan for an extended period, with GDA connecting the Red and Blue metro lines. The modified Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been submitted to the government for approval.

The interim budget has brought positive developments for various projects, including the expansion of the Gautam Buddh Nagar metro, Namo Bharat trains to Jevar, and the train line projects connecting Chhola, Khurja, and Palwal. Fund arrangements for the expansion of the Green Line Metro route to Sector-142 have also been mentioned. The proposed Namo Bharat train from Ghaziabad to Jevar Airport is not expected to face any fund shortages. This train is set to cover a corridor of 72.2 kilometers from Ghaziabad to Noida Airport.

The budget has allocated Rs. 55 crores for the National Capital Region Planning Board, a decrease from the previous year's allocation of Rs. 65 crores. Additionally, the Urban Art Commission in Delhi has been allocated Rs. 5.25 crores.

These budgetary allocations and project announcements reflect the government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and healthcare facilities in the region. As these projects unfold, they are expected to enhance connectivity, contribute to economic development, and improve the overall quality of life for residents in and around the national capital.