Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal on Monday (October 21) announced that the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) networks connecting Delhi to Panipat, and Delhi to Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror and Alwar, are expected to be operational by next year.
The minister made the announcement during a visit to key stations along the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, marking one year since the launch of Namo Bharat operations, which have served over 40 lakh passengers. His tour started at the Anand Vihar RRTS Station, where he was briefed on the station’s unique design and its integration with other transportation modes, making it a critical hub for commuters.
Anand Vihar station is strategically located near two metro lines, a railway station, and two inter-state bus terminals (ISBTs) in Delhi and Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, positioning it as one of the region’s busiest transit points. The station is currently in its trial phase, with full RRTS operations expected by December.
Lal shared updates on the first RRTS project between Sarai Kale Khan and Meerut, noting that a portion of the project has already been completed, and full connectivity between Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar will be established by next year.
RRTS projects in Panipat and Rajasthan
Commenting on the upcoming RRTS projects to Panipat and Rajasthan, the minister said that formalities are expected to be completed within a month, after which the tendering process will begin. Both projects are set to launch next year.
During his visit, the minister also interacted with women train operators at Sahibabad station, commending their contributions to India’s first RRTS corridor.
Since the launch of Namo Bharat trains in October 2023, the RRTS has revolutionised travel in regions such as Ghaziabad and Sahibabad, serving over 40 lakh passengers in just one year. The network has been enhanced by advanced technologies developed under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
The RRTS network currently operates on a 42-kilometer stretch, covering nine stations, and will soon expand to 54 kilometers with the addition of the Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar section, which includes the Anand Vihar station. Once the entire 82-kilometer corridor is completed by June 2025, passengers will be able to travel from Delhi to Meerut in under an hour, transforming regional connectivity and boosting the commuter experience.