The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has decided to extend the evening operation timings of Namo Bharat trains by two hours, officials announced on Saturday.
Earlier, the trains on the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) uswed to operate from 6 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday, and from 8 AM to 8 PM on Sundays along the 34 km stretch of the RRTS section in Ghaziabad, covering eight stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, Duhai Depot, Muradnagar, Modinagar (South), and Modinagar (North).
Namo Bharat trains timings extended
Starting May 20, the operating hours of Namo Bharat trains on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is extended until 10 PM.
“The operating hours of Namo Bharat trains on the operational section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor will be extended until 10pm, starting May 20. Under the revised schedule, Namo Bharat train services will run from 6am to 10pm Monday through Saturday, and from 8am to 10pm on Sundays,” according to an NCRTC spokesperson.
This decision aims to enhance passenger convenience and accommodate those returning late from offices. “It will also be beneficial for women passengers,” the spokesperson added.
Extended timings to increase ridership
The extended timings are expected to increase ridership and cater to more passengers. The NCRTC anticipates more passengers once the Meerut (South) station becomes operational.
Currently, the Ghaziabad and Modinagar (North) stations account for 25% and 20% of daily ridership, respectively. “Once the Meerut (south) gets operational, we expect more passengers. So far, the two popular stations of Ghaziabad and Modinagar (north) cater to 25% and 20% daily ridership, respectively,” the official added.
As of May 8, Namo Bharat trains have recorded around one million passengers on the 34 km route in Ghaziabad.
82 km-long RRTS project
The 82 km-long RRTS project aims to connect Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut with Namo Bharat trains, which have a design speed of 180 km/h. Besides the 34 km operational route in Ghaziabad, NCRTC has completed work on the first station in Meerut (South). Once operational, this will add another 8 km to the RRTS corridor.