The much-anticipated Namo Bharat Rapid Rail connecting Delhi to Meerut is now nearing full-scale operation. Spanning 82 kilometers, the entire corridor is almost ready for service, with current operations limited to the 55-kilometer stretch between New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and Meerut South.
Sarai Kale Khan Station in Final Stages of Completion
Construction and interior finishing are underway at Sarai Kale Khan station, which will serve as the first stop on the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut corridor. To enhance connectivity, a 280-meter foot overbridge (FOB) is being constructed to link this station directly with Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. The FOB will include six automated travelators for commuter convenience. Most structural work is already finished, and final touches are ongoing.
Corridor Progress and Remaining Sections
The corridor’s unoperational segments include:
A 4.5 km portion between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar
A 23 km stretch from Meerut South to Modipuram
Trial runs on these segments have been successfully conducted, and safety inspections have been completed on several parts. Other areas are currently undergoing evaluation by the relevant authorities.
New Stations Ready Beyond Meerut South
Three new stations—Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram—are ready for launch beyond Meerut South. Shatabdi Nagar stands out for its impressive size, stretching 215 meters in length and rising 17 meters in height. This station will cater to both Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro passengers.
Delhi–Meerut Travel in Under One Hour
Once operational across the entire route, Namo Bharat will reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut to under an hour. The high-speed train, capable of reaching up to 160 km/h, is expected to transform regional connectivity and significantly ease daily commutes.
“Namo Bharat Rapid Rail to Stop at Only 4 Stations; Local Metro to Cover All 13
Both the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and the local Metro service will operate on the same track. However, while the Rapid Rail will halt at only 4 key stations, the local Metro will stop at all 13 stations along the route — offering greater flexibility for daily commuters.
This system will be highly beneficial for passengers,” said Puneet Vats, Chief Public Relations Officer of NCRTC. “Currently, the frequency of the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is 10 minutes, and we are prepared to increase it based on ridership demand.”
According to officials from the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), most construction and trial activities are complete. The project now awaits the final safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety and a green signal from the central government. There is strong optimism that full-scale services will begin by July 2025, slightly later than the initial target of June.
Quick Facts About the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor
Total Length: 82 km
Namo Bharat Stations: 16 (from Jangpura to Modipuram)
Meerut Metro Stations: 13 (from Meerut South to Modipuram Depot)
Operational Length So Far: 55 km
Active Stations: 11 (New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South)
Maximum Speed: 160 km/h
Expected Travel Time: Under 1 hour
(This report has been filed by Adheesh Vats)
