NCRTC celebrates ‘Namo Bharat Diwas’ to mark Two Years of India’s first Regional Rail service

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) celebrated Namo Bharat Diwas at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking two successful years since the commissioning of India’s first semi-high-speed regional rail service—the Namo Bharat train.

The event was graced by Shri Tokhan Sahu, Hon’ble Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs, as the Guest of Honour, alongside Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, MoHUA. Shri Shalabh Goel, Managing Director, NCRTC, along with the Directors and senior officials, welcomed the dignitaries, employees, and their families.

The highlight of the celebration was the launch of the Namo Bharat Signature Tune by the Hon’ble Minister of State, giving India’s first regional rapid train its unique musical identity.

Blending Indian classical instruments with modern harmonies, the tune embodies Namo Bharat’s dual essence — rooted in Indian heritage yet aligned with the nation’s modern, progressive spirit.

Celebrating Two Years of Progress

The event reflected on Namo Bharat’s transformative journey, showcasing achievements in commuter experience, safety, sustainability, and technology adoption. A specially curated film presented milestones from the past year, including the expansion of services, digital ticketing innovations, and energy-efficient operations.

Hon’ble Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal, extended his greetings via a special message, congratulating Team NCRTC on “driving India’s vision of sustainable, high-speed regional connectivity with world-class execution and technology integration.”

Leadership Speaks: Commitment to Modern and Inclusive Infrastructure

In his address, Shri Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for MoHUA, praised NCRTC for its role in redefining modern urban transport.

“I especially appreciate the women leading operations and this project’s role in enabling fast, sustainable, and green regional connectivity. It is driving development in cities like Ghaziabad and Meerut. I commend NCRTC’s timely execution, which underscores the government’s commitment to seamless and inclusive infrastructure,” he said.

Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, MoHUA, lauded NCRTC’s remarkable progress:

“NCRTC has built a strong identity in the transport sector in a very short span. The Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor stands as a testament to its success.”

He also shared a personal anecdote from his Namo Bharat commute, describing how the punctuality of the service allowed him to reach an important meeting on time—demonstrating the system’s reliability.

Offering an industry perspective, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, commended NCRTC’s exemplary contribution to India’s transport transformation:

“The Namo Bharat project reflects the future of India’s regional mobility — fast, green, and people-centric. It showcases how visionary planning, technological innovation, and strong institutional leadership can redefine public transport. NCRTC’s achievement is not just about connectivity; it is about empowering communities, reducing carbon footprint, and setting new benchmarks for modern infrastructure under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.”

Welcoming employees and their families, Shri Shalabh Goel, Managing Director, NCRTC, highlighted the organization’s collective spirit:

“The strength and trust of the NCRTC family are the true foundations of our success. I extend heartfelt gratitude to the families who stood by our team through every challenge.”

He added that NCRTC continues to lead India’s journey toward “smart, sustainable, and technology-driven transport infrastructure.”

The celebration also included the Annual NCRTC Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding employees for their dedication, innovation, and contributions to the success of the Namo Bharat project.

Namo Bharat: Redefining Regional Mobility

Currently, Namo Bharat services are operational over 55 km with 11 stations of the 82-km Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut corridor, with the remaining section set to open soon.

Launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on October 20, 2023, the Namo Bharat project represents a major leap in India’s sustainable transportation landscape. The trains operate at speeds up to 160 km/h, offering a fast, green, and safe travel option for millions in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The Namo Bharat Diwas celebrations underscored NCRTC’s role as a pioneer in India’s regional rapid transit revolution, blending tradition with technology. With its second anniversary marking continued progress and innovation, Namo Bharat stands as a proud symbol of Viksit Bharat 2047 — India’s journey toward a smarter, connected, and sustainable future.