Manohar Lal, the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, announced that the commissioning of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) networks connecting Delhi to Panipat and Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror-Alwar is anticipated to begin in 2025. The minister made the remarks after riding along the route and inspecting key stations on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, which has already served over 4 million passengers since the launch of Namo Bharat operations. Starting his visit at the Anand Vihar RRTS Station, Lal received insights into the station's innovative design and its crucial role within the broader Rapid Rail Transit System. The strategically designed Anand Vihar station, situated one level below ground, is designed for easy access and seamless integration with various transport modes, making it a key commuter hub. It is conveniently located near two metro lines, a railway station, and two inter-state bus terminals in Delhi and Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh. “Commuters will soon be able to travel distances of 50 to 100 kilometers via RRTS. The first RRTS project, linking Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut, is progressing, with portions already completed,” Lal stated. He added that Anand Vihar station is expected to be connected to Sarai Kale Khan by next year, providing full facilities for commuters. Currently in the trial phase, RRTS operations at Anand Vihar are expected to commence by December. Regarding the projects to Panipat and the Rajasthan border, Lal mentioned that formalities will be completed within a month, allowing the tendering process to move forward for commissioning next year. During his visit, the minister also interacted with women train operators at Sahibabad station, acknowledging their crucial contributions to India's first RRTS corridor. The trial runs connecting New Ashok Nagar and Anand Vihar stations to the already operational Sahibabad station have begun, and the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) is available to facilitate seamless travel across various transport modes. Since their introduction on October 21, 2023, Namo Bharat trains have significantly enhanced commuting in Ghaziabad and nearby regions, serving over 4 million passengers in just the first year. The Ghaziabad RRTS Station recorded the highest footfall, followed by Sahibabad and Modinagar North stations. Lal was also briefed on several groundbreaking technologies employed in the Namo Bharat project, many of which are being implemented for the first time globally, aligning with the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the initial 17-kilometer priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot on October 20 last year, with subsequent stretches launched in early 2024. Currently, Namo Bharat services operate across a 42-kilometer stretch with nine stations, including Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, Duhai Depot, Muradnagar, and Meerut South. Once the full 82-kilometer corridor is completed by June 2025, passengers will be able to travel from Delhi to Meerut in under an hour, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and the overall commuting experience. Detailed engineering for the project is already underway, with orders for additional equipment, such as cranes and new production lines, to follow. Tata Steel aims to initiate large-scale site work by July 2025, pending planning approval, which will be submitted next month after completing public consultations. (ET)