Delhi–Meerut corridor inauguration kicks off regional rapid transit

India’s Delhi–Meerut corridor inauguration on February 22 marked the launch of the country’s first regional rapid transit system, branded as the Namo Bharat train, as reported by Railway Supply.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the route on the same day, according to the Press Information Bureau.

At the same time, the Delhi–Meerut corridor is also tied into the Meerut Metro network, which was inaugurated on February 22 as well. Some lines and stations are shared. This arrangement is intended to help passengers switch between urban metro trips and intercity travel more easily.

Delhi–Meerut corridor inauguration and the “Twin Cities” vision

In addition, the rapid rail corridor and the Meerut Metro network are part of India’s “Twin Cities” vision. The plan aims to connect neighboring urban centers quickly and efficiently, reduce traffic congestion, stimulate regional economic development, and create sustainable mobility for millions of commuters.

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In remarks at the launch, Narendra Modi said the new rapid rail and metro system in Meerut “offer a magnificent glimpse of what connectivity will look like in a developed India. This is an integrated public transport system that uses the metro for intra-city travel and Namo Bharat trains to accelerate the implementation of the twin cities vision,” said Narendra Modi.

Regional rapid transit system details and Alstom trains

The Delhi–Meerut corridor is 82 km long and has 16 stations, running through one of the most densely populated areas of the National Capital Region. It connects Delhi to the state of Uttar Pradesh. The corridor is presented as beneficial for regional development, linking multiple localities and planned economic activity centers along the route.

Separately, the rail connection is operated by Alstom trains under a contract signed in 2020, as Alstom notes. The agreement covers the delivery of 30 six-car trains (180 cars in total). It also included the delivery of 10 three-car trains for the metro system.

NCR 2032 Integrated Transport Plan and eight regional rapid rail corridors

Meanwhile, the Delhi–Meerut corridor via Ghaziabad is one of eight regional rapid rail corridors that India plans to develop as part of a multimodal transport system for the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi. It is included in the NCR 2032 Integrated Transport Plan, with a special focus on Namo Bharat trains connecting regional centers.

The first phase of this plan involves developing two more corridors—Delhi–Panipat and Delhi–Alwar—which, together with the route already inaugurated, are designed for speeds of 10 km/h, with an operational speed of 160 km/h. Trains are planned to run every 15 minutes and provide last-mile connectivity.

In addition, the authorities have outlined five further corridors for the future regional rapid rail system:

▪ Delhi – Faridabad – Ballabgarh – Palwal;

▪ Ghaziabad – Khurja;

▪ Delhi – Bahadurgarh – Rohtak;

▪ Ghaziabad – Hapur;

▪ Delhi – Shahadra – Baraut.

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