The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) expects approval soon for two proposed Namo Bharat corridors, Delhi-Panipat-Karnal and Delhi-Gurugram-Behror, as the regional rapid rail service completes three years of operations. Detailed project reports for the Ghaziabad-Jewar and Noida-Faridabad-Gurugram corridors are also being prepared, the corporation said.

The 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor has recorded more than 45 mn passenger journeys since its launch in October 2023. It currently serves over 110,000 commuters daily and recently registered its highest single-day ridership of about 168,000.

The milestones were highlighted at an event attended by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal, Minister of State Tokhan Sahu and senior officials. Lal said the rapid rail service was strengthening regional connectivity, improving urban transportation and linking people in neighbouring cities with wider economic opportunities.

Namo Bharat operations began on October 20, 2023, with the inauguration of the 17-km priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot. The remaining sections opened in phases, and the full 82-km corridor was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 22 this year, alongside the Meerut Metro.

The NCRTC is pursuing measures to improve multimodal connectivity and first- and last-mile access for passengers. It is also working on environmental and financial sustainability initiatives, including solar power projects and a 110 MW captive solar power plant. Managing Director Shalabh Goel said the organisation had advanced its objective of creating a safe, reliable and environmentally friendly regional transport system. The event also included annual awards for employees and cultural programmes, while the corporation reaffirmed its focus on comfortable and dependable services.