New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant celebration, the Namo Bharat train marked its first anniversary of operations on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, achieving a remarkable milestone by serving over 4 million passengers since its launch. Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, took part in the festivities, riding the train and engaging with the community.
The Minister highlighted the RRTS's impressive average speed of 80 km/hr, which starkly contrasts the typical metro speed of 30 km/hr, emphasizing the transformative impact of this rapid transit system on intercity travel.
During his visit, he boarded the Namo Bharat train from Sahibabad station, where he interacted with women train operators and gathered feedback from passengers about their experiences. Many expressed their appreciation for the convenience and efficiency of the service, which has greatly improved their daily commutes.
NCRTC hosted special activities to celebrate the anniversary, including rides for school students and a warm welcome for commuters with festive dhol beats, chocolates, and souvenirs. The Minister's journey began at Anand Vihar RRTS Station, where he received insights into the station's innovative design and its role in the broader transit network.
Since the Namo Bharat trains began operations on October 21, 2023, the project has transformed commuting patterns in the region, with Ghaziabad RRTS Station recording the highest passenger footfall. The initiative aligns with the government's "One Nation, One Card" scheme, facilitating seamless travel across different transport modes.
Looking ahead, the RRTS project is on track to complete an 82-kilometer corridor by June 2025, promising to revolutionize connectivity between Delhi and Meerut, enabling travel in under an hour.