India’s Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is emerging as a major catalyst for urban growth and investment, with strong demand from commuters and rising interest from real estate investors, according to a new report by Knight Frank India.

Titled “Regional Rapid Transit System: Testing the Commuters’ Pulse”, the study highlights that nearly 66 per cent of surveyed respondents are willing to purchase property along RRTS corridors, while 80 per cent associate improved connectivity with enhanced economic opportunities. The findings underline the growing role of high-speed regional transit in shaping real estate demand and decentralised urban growth.

The report notes that improved infrastructure and visible development along RRTS routes have significantly boosted investor confidence. Respondents who observed active commercial development along corridors were over 10 times more likely to consider property investment, while those seeing ongoing residential activity showed nearly eight times higher intent to invest. Areas with integrated infrastructure and mixed-use development were seen as the most attractive.

According to the study, nearly 38 per cent of respondents are open to relocating away from traditional city centres, provided adequate social infrastructure, connectivity and employment opportunities are available. This highlights the growing potential of transit-oriented development as a driver of decentralised urban expansion.

The report also examined the performance of the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut RRTS corridor, noting strong user satisfaction levels. Around 83 per cent of surveyed commuters expressed satisfaction with the service, citing reduced travel time, improved reliability and better safety. While some respondents flagged higher commuting costs, these were largely offset by time savings and improved quality of travel.

Commenting on the findings, Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director, Knight Frank India, said that RRTS represents a transformative opportunity for India’s urban mobility landscape. He noted that seamless integration between transport networks, land use planning and commercial development will be critical in unlocking the full potential of such infrastructure-led growth.

The report also highlights the importance of last-mile connectivity, integrated ticketing and multimodal transport linkages in driving adoption. With additional RRTS corridors under development, Knight Frank expects rising investment interest along these routes, positioning them as future growth corridors for real estate and economic activity.