Introduction
Delhi and Meerut, the two prominent cities in northern India, are interconnected through deep historical, economic, and social ties. Delhi serves as the country’s administrative and economic centre, while Meerut, on the other side, is a city located in Western Uttar Pradesh and is known for its deep cultural heritage and pivotal role in India’s history. The city serves as a major economic hub and is known for its growing industrial base and expanding services sector. However, the daily commute between these two cities was a major concern due to traffic congestion and insufficient public transportation options.
To address these challenges, the Government of India saw a semi-high-speed rail project as the best solution to offer a fast, reliable, and sustainable mode of transport to enhance the connectivity between the two cities. The Government of India, through the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), initiated the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Project. The RRTS system aims to establish a direct link between Delhi and Meerut. In addition, it will alleviate pressure on existing infrastructure and improve the quality of life for daily commuters and streamline equitable economic development throughout the National Capital Region.
Delhi-Meerut RRTS: A Journey from Vision to Foundation
1998: A study conducted by Indian Railways identified the possibility of an RRTS network in the National Capital Region.
2009: The Functional Plan on Transport for NCR 2032 was prepared by the National Capital Region Planning Board and identified 8 RRTS corridors in NCR and received approval.Out of 8 Corridors, 3 corridors were prioritised to be constructed in Phase 1.
29 June 2011: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of India and the State Government for the implementation of the RRTS Project in NCR.
21 August 2013: National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) was incorporated under the Indian Companies Act for the implementation and execution of the RRTS project in NCR.
May 2017: The Uttar Pradesh State government approved the Delhi Meerut RRTS line’s DPR (Detailed Project Report) for construction
September 2017: Pre-construction work started with geotechnical investigation for the Delhi-Ghazibad-Meerut RRTS Corridor.
May 2018: As part of pre-construction activities, road widening work started in Ghaziabad for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project.
30 January 2019: Initial pile load testing started at Sahibabad for the elevated corridors of the Delhi-Ghazibad-Meerut RRTS Corridor.
February 2019: The Government of India approved the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project.
8 March 2019: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project.
Delhi-Meerut RRTS: A New Era in Urban Rail Mobility
Overview
- The Delhi-Ghazibad-Meerut RRTS is an 82 km partly operational and under-construction semi-high speed rail corridor connecting Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut.
- Currently, 55 km of the Delhi Meerut RRTS corridor is operational, while 27.15 km of the route is under construction. NCRTC is managing the project, and the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor features 22 stations.
Key Specifications
| Authorised Authority | National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) |
| Speed | Design Speed: 180 kmphOperational Speed: 160 kmphAverage Speed: 100 kmph |
| Track Gauge: | Standard Gauge – 1435 mm |
| Signalling | European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 of ERTMS |
| Traction | 1 x 25 KV AC overhead catenary (OHE) |
Funding Mechanism
The Delhi-Meerut RRTS project has a multi-layered funding mechanism. The total estimated cost of the project is ₹30,274 crore (approximately US$3.5 billion). The project is being financed through a combination of multilateral development banks, the central and state governments.
Estimated Project Cost: Rs. 30,274 crore
The estimated financing plan for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Investment Project is summarised below.
| Funding Source | Amount (₹ Crores) | Share (%) |
| Asian Development Bank (ADB) | 8,706.7 | 30.4% |
| Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank | 4,150.0 | 14.5% |
| Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction | 24.9 | 0.1% |
| Government | 15,750.9 | 55.0% |
| Total Project Cost | 28,632.5 | 100.0% |
1. Loan from ADB & AIIB
- The Government of India planned to finance the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor through USD $1 billion from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
- On 18 August 2020, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the USD $1 billion funding package for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor.
- ADB is financing the project under its Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) in a total of four tranches.
- The Financing for the project by ADB are planned to be implemented in four tranches between August 2020 and May 2025.
Note: The loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be allocated to finance the first, third, and fourth tranches, whereas the loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will be designated for financing the second tranche.
First Tranche
- On 8 September 2020, a loan agreement for Rs. 3750 Crore ( US $500 million), which was the first tranche of the approved US $1 billion loan, was signed between the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank for funding the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor.
Second Tranche
- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved the Rs. 3750 Crore ( US $500 million) loan for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor. The AIIB loan referred to as “Tranche 2” became effective on June 8, 2022.
Third Tranche
- On 15 December 2023, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an agreement for a 37 billion Japanese Yen ($250 million) loan for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor.
2. Loan from New Development Bank (NDB)
- On 19 November 2019, the Government of India and NDB signed a loan agreement of USD 500 million (Approx. Rs. 3,700 crores) for funding the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor.
3. Funding From the Government
- In February 2023, the Uttar Pradesh Government allocated Rs 1,306 crores for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project for finance year 2023-24 in the budget.
- In March 2019, the Delhi Government made the payment of the first instalment of Rs. 265 Crores for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project.
- In March 2019, Delhi Government released the first installment of Rs. 265 Crores for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project. Furthermore, In May 2023, the Delhi Government released its second installment of Rs. 500 Crore for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project.
Contractor’s List
| Contract | Contractor |
| Operations & Maintenance (O&M) | DB Engineering and Consulting Gmbh |
| General Consultant | Ayesa lngenieria Y Arquitectura S.A.U. – ITALFERR S.p.A. – Ayesa India Private Ltd JV (AIAI JV) |
| Package 1: Sahibabad Ramp – Ghaziabad Station (elevated, 2 stations) | KEC-CCECC JV |
| Package 2: Ghaziabad Station – Duhai EPE crossing (elevated, 2 stations) | APCO Infra – CRFG JV |
| Package 3 Lot-1: Duhai (EPE) – Modi Nagar North (elevated, 2 stations) | Larsen & Toubro (L&T) |
| Package 3 Lot-2: Modi Nagar North – Shatabdi Nagar (elevated, 5 stations) | Larsen & Toubro (L&T) |
| Package 4: New Ashok Nagar Ramp – Anand Vihar – Sahibabad Ramp (underground, 1 station) | STEC (Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co) |
| Package 5A: Duhai Depot & Workshop | VNC – KEC JV |
| Package 6: Sarai Kale Khan – New Ashok Nagar (elevated, 2 stations) | Afcons Infrastructure |
| Package 7: Shatabdi Nagar – Brahampuri DN Ramp AND Begumpul Ramp – Modipuram (elevated, 5 stations) | Larsen & Toubro (L&T) |
| Package 8: Brahampuri DN Ramp to Begumpul UP Ramp (underground, 3 stations) | Afcons Infrastructure |
| Package 25: Design, manufacture, supply, testing & commissioning of 210 standard gauge coaches | Alstom |
Route Details
Overview
The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Corridor is currently partially under construction and partially operational. The route spans 82 km, covering 22 stations. Over the period, Mr Narendra Modi inaugurated the 55 km section of the Delhi-Meerut Corridor. The key dates have been mentioned below:
| Inaugural Date | Route | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2023 | Sahibabad – Ghaziabad – Guldhar – Duhai | 17 km |
| March 2024 | Duhai – Muradnagar – Modinagar South – Modinagar North | 17.1 km |
| August 2024 | Modinagar North – Meerut South | 8 km |
| January 2025 | Sahibabad- Anand Vihar-New Ashok Nagar | 13 km |
Route Information
| Operational: 55 km Under Construction: 27.15 km |
- Route: Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut
- Length: 82.15 km
- Type: Elevated & Underground
- Depots: Duhai Depot, Modipuram Depot & Stabling Lines at Jangpura
- Number of Stations: 22
- Station Names: Nizamuddin / Sarai Kale Khan, New Ashok Nagar, Anand Vihar, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai (EPE), Murad Nagar, Modi Nagar South, Modi Nagar North, Meerut South, Partapur, Rithani, Shatabdi Nagar, Brahmapuri, Meerut Central, Bhaisali, Begum Pul, MES Colony, Daurli, Meerut North and Modipuram
| Recent Developments on Delhi Meerut RRTS Route Trials runs In April 2025, NCRTC initiated trial runs on a 5 km stretch between New Ashok Nagar and Sarai Kale Khan. The NCRTC team conducted a trial operation through the Namo Bharat Train. The train began its journey with a low-speed run at 10 km/h from New Ashok Nagar on the down-line tracks. Furthermore, NCRTC announced the successful electrification of the section between New Ashok Nagar and Sarai Kale Khan.   In February 2025, NCRTC initiated a trial run on an additional 6 km stretch between Meerut South and Shatabdi Nagar in Meerut. This 6 km stretch features 3 stations in total, and Shatabdi Nagar Station is part of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Project, while the remaining two stations are part of the Meerut Metro Project. |
Latest Update On Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project
1. Track Work
- In April 2025, The Delhi – Ghaziabad – Meerut RRTS project advanced with the completion of track laying work at Modipuram RRTS station. The Modipuram station is also the last Namo Bharat station (towards Meerut) of this corridor.
2. Stations Near Completion
- The Begumpul RRTS Station and Sarai Kale Khan RRTS Station are almost near completion. The NCRTC stated that work has started on the external facade at Sarai Kale Khan RRTS Station, and the stations are expected to become operational by June.
3. Trial Runs
On 1st May 2025, NCRTC initiated a trial run up to Modipuram, the last station (towards Meerut) of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project. The trial run was conducted between the Shatabdi Nagar and Modipuram RRTS stations, featuring 3 stations.
Namo Bharat: Indigenous Semi-High-Speed Trainsets for RRTS Applications
Overview
- The rolling stock for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project, known as “Namo Bharat” trains, and the Meerut Metro are being supplied by Alstom. Alstom secured the Rs. 2577 crore Rolling stock contract of Delhi- Meerut RRTS in mid-May 2021. As per the Contract, Alstom was supposed to supply 30 trainsets, each consisting of 6 coaches, to NCRTC for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project.
First Namo Bharat Trainset
- On 7 May 2022, Alstom delivered India’s first semi-high-speed regional train of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project to NCRTC. The rollout ceremony was held at Alstom’s manufacturing site in Savli, Gujarat.
About Namo Bharat Trains
- The Namo Bharat Trainsets have been designed and built to operate at 180 kmph and are capable of decreasing the travel time between Delhi and Meerut by 40%.
- The air-conditioned aerodynamic RRTS trains are lightweight with a radiating stainless steel outer body. The train design has been inspired by New Delhi’s iconic Lotus Temple.
- Alstom has designed and supplied RRTS trains in accordance with India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat ’ and ‘Make in India’ guidelines.
| Category | Salient Features |
| Universal Accessibility | Dedicated wheelchair & stretcher space with safety restraints, Accessible ramp for easy boarding |
| Safety | CCTV surveillance, Fire & smoke detectors, Intercom system, Fire extinguisher, Exterior camera, Door status indicator |
| Passenger Information | Digital route map, Infotainment display, Speakers for announcements |
| Comfort | Air-conditioning system, Cantilever cushioned seats, Adequate legroom, Draught screen, Lighting with dimming control |
| Access & Layout | Mixed seating arrangement, Wide doors and gangway, Optimised aisle width, Grab handles & standee rails, Overhead luggage rack |
| Connectivity | Onboard Wi-Fi, USB charging ports for mobile/laptop |
Impacts of Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project
1. Enhanced Connectivity: The Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project represents a major development initiative aimed at enhancing regional connectivity throughout the NCR.
By establishing a semi-high-speed rail corridor that connects Delhi with key urban centres such as Ghaziabad, Modinagar, and Meerut, the project effectively reduces travel time to under one hour.
The RRTS Project creates a fast and efficient transportation corridor between Delhi and Meerut, promoting seamless transit within the region.
2. Multi-Modal Integration: The Delhi-Meerut RRTS project has been designed with a strong focus on multi-modal integration to facilitate smooth transition of passengers between different modes of transport.
Some of the prominent examples have been mentioned below:
- Integration with Delhi Metro: Some of the RRTS Stations offer direct connectivity to the Delhi Metro System. For Example, the New Ashok Nagar and Anand Vihar RRTS stations link directly with the Blue Line and Pink Line, respectively.
- Connectivity with Indian Railways: The Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan RRTS stations have been strategically located near major railway terminals, which ensures convenient shift of transportation for intercity and regional rail travel.
- Integration with Bus Terminals: The Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan RRTS stations are adjacent to major Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTS). This strategically planned location of stations allows bus passengers to conveniently switch to the RRTS.
3. Economic Growth: The Delhi-Meerut RRTS will majorly promote economic growth across the NCR. The enhanced regional connectivity improves access to business opportunities, which will generate more employment in the region, economic growth.
The RRTS project has created numerous jobs, providing long-term employment opportunities. Furthermore, the development of RRTS stations has attracted numerous business setups which will ultimately give a boost to local economies.
4. Environmentally Sustainable: As a system that operates on electric traction, the RRTS minimises dependence on fossil fuels in comparison to road-based transportation, thereby contributing to reduced carbon emissions and enhancing air quality in the NCR.
- The NCRTC has implemented various initiatives to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project.
For Example, all elevated RRTS stations and depots are equipped with solar panels to harness clean energy. The NCRTC aims to achieve a minimum solar power generation capacity of 11 MWp throughout the corridor.
Conclusion
The Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Project is a major project that strengthens regional connectivity and enhances urban mobility within the National Capital Region. Recognised as India’s first semi-high-speed rail corridor, the RRTS effectively minimises travel time between Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, and provides a safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation solution. The project incorporates advanced infrastructure, including the Namo Bharat trains, alongside seamless multimodal integration with existing transit systems. The RRTS aims to alleviate congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the overall quality of life for daily commuters. Its implementation is supported by a strong funding structure, involving international financial institutions and strong governmental backing, which makes it an exemplary model for future transit development initiatives across India.
