Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat RRTS crosses 2 Crore Commuter Trips in Two Years

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut Namo Bharat regional rail corridor has crossed a major milestone—2 crore commuter trips in just two years of operations—solidifying its position as the region’s most dependable, fastest-growing intercity mobility system. Since its launch in October 2023, the corridor has recorded a consistent, month-on-month rise in ridership, reflecting the growing trust and adoption of India’s first RRTS (Regional Rapid Transit System).

Operations began on 21 October 2023, a day after the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated the first 17-km Priority Section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot. With only a small segment open, the system logged 72,000 riders in November 2023.

Phased expansion—first to Modinagar North (March 2024), then to Meerut South (August 2024)—triggered rapid growth:

• December 2024 monthly ridership: ~7 lakh
  (10× higher than December 2023)

• Mid-2025 monthly ridership (July): ~15 lakh

• Highest-ever single-day ridership: 81,550 commuters

• Average daily ridership today: 55,000–60,000

The biggest jump came when the Prime Minister inaugurated the 13-km Delhi section from New Ashok Nagar to Sahibabad in January 2025, operationalizing key stations including Anand Vihar, the NCR’s signature multimodal hub.

With Delhi now seamlessly connected to Meerut, the commuter base expanded drastically, especially from East Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and western Uttar Pradesh.

The corridor’s appeal is driven by:

• Consistent high-speed journeys

• Comfortable, air-conditioned travel

• Predictable operations during peak hours

• Complete insulation from traffic congestion

• Faster end-to-end trip time between cities

To meet rising demand, NCRTC reduced train frequency from 15 minutes to 10 minutes, with system capability to go as low as 3 minutes.

Daily users say the system has fundamentally transformed long-distance commuting.

Ashok Rana, a Meerut–Delhi commuter, said: “Now I don’t have to get stuck in traffic jams or wait endlessly for buses. I simply board Namo Bharat and reach on time. I’m eagerly waiting to travel all the way to Modipuram.”

A government school teacher from Meerut shared similar relief: “Earlier, reaching Ghaziabad by 8.30 or 9 AM felt impossible due to bus delays and crowding. With Namo Bharat, I feel safe, reach on time, and never struggle for a seat. I truly thank the government for this system.”

Extreme summers, monsoon disruptions, and festive-season road congestion have pushed more commuters toward Namo Bharat—many of whom have permanently shifted away from buses and private vehicles after experiencing the speed and comfort.

NCRTC has intensified multimodal connectivity:

• Rapido and Uber operating at major stations

• Electric buses under the DEVI Scheme at Anand Vihar and New Ashok Nagar

• Integrated ticketing with Delhi Metro, enabling booking via either app

• Enhanced pedestrian, shuttle, and feeder connectivity at multiple hubs

These steps have boosted station access and promoted smooth transfers.

Currently, 55 km and 11 stations—from New Ashok Nagar (Delhi) to Meerut South—are operational.

Pending segments:

• Sarai Kale Khan → New Ashok Nagar (Delhi)

• Meerut South → Modipuram (Meerut)

Once commissioned, Namo Bharat will enable full city-centre-to-city-centre connectivity between Delhi and Meerut. Integration with Meerut Metro will further streamline transfers within the city.

The crossing of 2 crore commuter trips signals a permanent behavioural shift in NCR’s intercity travel. More people are choosing rail over road for work, education, medical visits, business, and personal travel.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said: “The 2 crore ridership milestone shows that Namo Bharat has become a backbone of regional mobility in NCR. Its reliability, comfort, and speed are reshaping daily travel patterns and reducing dependence on congested highways. As the remaining stretches open soon, Namo Bharat will unlock a new era of sustainable, integrated, and high-quality public transport for millions.”

With ridership climbing rapidly and full-corridor commissioning approaching, Namo Bharat is on course to become one of India’s busiest and most transformative regional mobility systems. The success of the Delhi–Meerut corridor also strengthens the case for future RRTS corridors across the NCR and beyond.