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Namo Bharat, the semi high speed transit system on the Delhi Ghaziabad Meerut corridor, has crossed 2 crore commuter trips within two years of its launch. Starting with a modest 72,000 monthly riders, phased expansions and new stations have steadily increased ridership to around 55,000–60,000 daily commuters. Key factors driving growth include reduced travel time, reliable air conditioned services, and integration with Delhi Metro ticketing. With 55 km and 11 stations currently operational and remaining stretches under construction, the system continues to reshape intercity travel patterns and strengthen connectivity across the National Capital Region.
Namo Bharat has achieved over 2 crore commuter trips since beginning operations in late 2023, emerging as a preferred regional transit option on the Delhi Ghaziabad Meerut corridor. The 17-km priority section from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot was inaugurated on October 21, 2023, by the Prime Minister, marking the system’s first operational phase. Ridership began at over 72,000 in November 2023 and steadily rose as additional stretches opened. Advertisement
Extensions to Modinagar North in March 2024 and Meerut South in August 2024 expanded reach, with monthly ridership reaching around 7 lakh by December 2024. The addition of the 13-km Delhi section from New Ashok Nagar to Sahibabad in January 2025, including the key interchange at Anand Vihar, further connected Delhi to Meerut, attracting commuters from across Delhi and neighboring states.
By mid-2025, monthly ridership approached 15 lakh, with the highest single-day ridership recorded at over 81,550. Daily commuters now average between 55,000 and 60,000. Growth is credited to faster travel between Delhi and Meerut, reliable scheduling, and predictable journeys during peak hours. NCRTC has reduced train intervals from 15 minutes to 10 minutes, with the capability to bring it down further to three minutes if needed.
The transit system has proven resilient during extreme summer heat, monsoon disruptions, and festive-season traffic, attracting passengers who continue to prefer it even after road conditions improve. First- and last-mile connectivity has been strengthened with services like Rapido and Uber at stations, and electric buses under the Delhi Electric Vehicle Interchange (DEVI) Scheme link key hubs such as Anand Vihar and New Ashok Nagar. Integration with Delhi Metro allows commuters to book tickets through either system’s mobile app.
Currently, 55 km of the corridor with 11 stations from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South are operational. Remaining sections from Sarai Kale Khan to New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and from Meerut South to Modipuram in Meerut are expected to complete full city-to-city connectivity. Integration with Meerut Metro will further improve travel experience.
Source PTI
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