New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): On January 5, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated an important 13-kilometer extension of the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, marking a significant advancement in regional transport connectivity. The new stretch, which connects Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar, expands the operational corridor from 42 km to 55 km, providing faster, more efficient travel options for commuters between Delhi and Meerut.
“Today marks another significant milestone in India's modern infrastructure journey”, remarked Shri Narendra Modi. He highlighted that India's metro network has now reached 1,000 kilometers and lauded it as a remarkable achievement. He noted that in 2014, when the country gave them the opportunity, India was not even in the top ten globally in terms of metro connectivity and however, over the past ten years, India has become the third-largest country in the world in terms of metro network. The Prime Minister emphasized that during the current tenure of their government, India will have the second-largest metro network in the world.
The Namo Bharat Trains are now operational on this expanded section, offering high-speed connectivity between New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and Meerut South. With the introduction of this extension, commuters can travel from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South in just under 40 minutes, reducing travel time by one-third. Trains will run every 15 minutes, starting at 5 PM, and fares are set at Rs 150 for standard coaches and Rs 225 for premium coaches.
This development directly connects Meerut to Delhi, a major milestone in enhancing intercity transit. The project has already served over 50 lakh commuters, underlining the growing popularity of the Namo Bharat initiative.
Anand Vihar Underground Station: One of the largest stations on the Namo Bharat corridor, Anand Vihar is a multi-modal hub, offering seamless integration with six existing transport modes, including the Delhi Metro (Pink and Blue Lines), ISBTs, and Anand Vihar Railway Station. The station's strategic location allows passengers to travel across Delhi and beyond, providing a convenient point for commuters from nearby areas like Shrestha Vihar, Ramprastha, and Brij Vihar.
Engineering Marvel: Anand Vihar’s underground station is located just 8 meters below ground level and has been constructed beneath the basement of the metro lines, presenting significant engineering challenges. NCRTC successfully navigated these hurdles using advanced technology and innovative techniques.
New Ashok Nagar Station: This elevated station, positioned at 20 meters above the ground, is a significant infrastructure achievement, especially given its construction above the operational Delhi Metro Blue Line. The station is connected to the Blue Line via a 90-meter-long foot overbridge (FOB), facilitating easy interchange between different modes of public transport.
A core principle of the Namo Bharat Corridor is multi-modal integration, designed to make travel convenient and efficient. Stations, including Anand Vihar and New Ashok Nagar, offer direct access to metro stations, bus stands, and railway stations, enhancing overall commuter ease. The stations are equipped with accessible facilities, including ramps, wide lifts, and tactile paths for the visually impaired.
Additionally, dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones and ample parking for over 500 vehicles have been provided at key stations, ensuring greater convenience for passengers. Women, elderly passengers, and differently-abled individuals benefit from dedicated spaces in trains, while CCTV surveillance and 24/7 safety measures ensure a secure travel environment.
The Namo Bharat Corridor plays a crucial role in addressing congestion in the National Capital and reducing air pollution. By removing over one lakh private vehicles from the roads and cutting carbon emissions by 2.5 lakh tonnes annually, the project supports India’s push towards sustainable urban mobility.
The complete Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor will span 82 km and feature 16 Namo Bharat stations, including nine additional stations for the Meerut Metro. The full operation of the corridor is expected to transform regional transit by providing fast, reliable, and eco-friendly transportation options.
The inauguration of this 13-km stretch underscores the Indian government’s commitment to expanding high-speed connectivity and improving public transport infrastructure. As the Namo Bharat Corridor continues to expand, it promises to reshape urban mobility, decongest cities, and provide a cleaner, greener alternative to road travel.
With its modern design, cutting-edge technology, and focus on passenger convenience, the Namo Bharat Corridor is paving the way for a sustainable future of urban mobility, reinforcing the government’s vision of a connected and pollution-free India.