Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal announced that the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) networks connecting Delhi to Panipat and the Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror (SNB) stretch leading to Alwar will commence operations in 2025. Marking one year of Namo Bharat’s operations, which has served over 4 million passengers, Lal inspected key stations along the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor. His visit began at Anand Vihar station, where officials briefed him on the station’s unique design, which facilitates seamless access to multiple transport modes, positioning it as a critical transit hub. Located near two metro lines, a railway station, and interstate bus terminals in Delhi and Kaushambi, Anand Vihar is poised to become one of the busiest commuter hubs in the region. Commuters will benefit from RRTS for travel ranging between 50 to 100 kilometers, Lal noted, adding that the Sarai Kale Khan-to-Meerut segment will also be linked to Anand Vihar by next year. The Anand Vihar station is currently undergoing trial operations and is expected to be operational by December 2024. On the status of the Delhi-Panipat and SNB-Alwar projects, Lal stated that remaining formalities will be completed within a month, followed by the tendering process. Operations for these sections are on track to launch next year. During his tour, Lal traveled from Sahibabad station, where he interacted with female train operators, recognising their contributions to India’s first RRTS corridor. The recently commenced trial runs aim to connect New Ashok Nagar with Anand Vihar and already operational sections like Sahibabad. Since the inauguration of Namo Bharat’s first 17-kilometer segment between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot on October 20, 2023, the corridor has expanded to 42 kilometres with nine stations, including Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, and Modinagar. The second phase opened in March 2024, extending services between Duhai and Modinagar North, followed by the operationalisation of Meerut South station in August. Officials highlighted the use of cutting-edge technologies in the project, many of which align with the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. Once the 82-kilometer corridor is completed by June 2025, passengers will enjoy travel from Delhi to Meerut in under an hour, transforming regional connectivity and enhancing the commuting experience.' (Hindustan Times)