Ghaziabad: The development of India’s first Namo Bharat (rapid rail) corridor is progressing rapidly, with over 50% of the Delhi-Meerut stretch now complete. Trains are set to run soon from Sahibabad to Meerut South, following the clearance of the third section by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).
This 8km section, spanning from Modinagar North to Meerut South, extends the operational length of the corridor to 42km, marking a significant milestone in the 80km project, scheduled for full completion by mid-2025. “The section will cut the travel time from Sahibabad to Meerut South to nearly 30 minutes. State and central governments have been informed that work on the 8km section has been completed. A decision on its inauguration is likely soon,” an NCRTC official stated.
Meerut South will be the district’s first station on the rapid rail corridor, which will also integrate metro services. Of the 13 stations on the Namo Bharat corridor in Meerut, four are designated for rapid rail and nine are part of the local metro network. The NCRTC has also developed the state’s largest parking facility at this station, covering 13,000 square meters and accommodating 1,200 vehicles. The operational rapid rail corridor has significantly benefited students and daily commuters. A student at MMH College in Ghaziabad, who resides in Partapur, remarked, “The rapid rail starting operations to Meerut soon is good news for us. Ghaziabad and Meerut are industrial and educational hubs but had limited commuting options before the rapid rail. The rapid rail has changed a lot for students like us, and I just hope that in the days ahead, it will reach our doorsteps.”
Another resident of Meerut, who commutes to Delhi for work, noted a substantial reduction in travel time since the rapid rail commenced operations up to the Ghaziabad-Meerut border. “Earlier, I used to take a private vehicle to reach my workplace, but over the past few months, I park my bike at Modinagar South parking and take the rapid rail. If the corridor is operational up to Meerut South, it will further reduce the commuting time, not to mention that it will be a hassle-free ride,” he shared. The Namo Bharat corridor is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Delhi and Meerut, promoting economic growth and providing a reliable and efficient commuting option for residents. The project’s completion is eagerly anticipated as it promises to transform the daily travel experience for thousands of commuters.
