DELHI (Metro Rail News): The NCRTC is likely to receive approval soon for two proposed Namo Bharat corridors linking Delhi with Panipat-Karnal and Gurugram-Behror. The move could expand regional rapid rail connectivity beyond the operational Delhi-Meerut route, which has recorded more than 4.5 crore passenger journeys since October 2023.

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) shared the update as the regional rapid rail service completed three years of operations. It also confirmed that detailed project reports (DPRs) are being prepared for two other corridors: Ghaziabad-Jewar and Noida-Faridabad-Gurugram.

Four Namo Bharat Corridors in the expansion pipeline 

The proposed Namo Bharat routes are intended to strengthen transport links between Delhi and key urban and economic centres across the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion pipeline includes:

• Delhi-Panipat-Karnal: Awaiting approval, this corridor would improve regional connectivity towards Haryana.
• Delhi-Gurugram-Behror: Also expected to receive approval soon, the route would extend rapid rail connectivity towards Gurugram and Behror.
• Ghaziabad-Jewar: The project is at the DPR preparation stage.
• Noida-Faridabad-Gurugram: The DPR for this proposed corridor is also under preparation.

The corporation has not announced construction timelines or estimated project costs for these proposed routes.

Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor crosses 4.5 cr passenger journeys

The 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor has recorded more than 4.5 crore passenger journeys since operations began in October 2023. It currently serves over 1.1 lakh commuters daily, according to the NCRTC. The corridor recently registered its highest single-day ridership of around 1.68 lakh, indicating growing demand for faster regional travel.

The entire route was opened in phases. The final sections were inaugurated on February 22, 2026, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside the Meerut Metro.

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Key milestones in Namo Bharat operations

• 20 October, 2023: Operations began on the 17-km priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot.
• 2023 onwards: Additional sections of the Delhi-Meerut corridor opened in phases.
• 22 February, 2026: The full 82-km corridor was dedicated to the nation.
• October 2026: The NCRTC marked three years since the start of Namo Bharat operations.

Focus on connectivity and sustainability

The NCRTC is also working to improve links between Namo Bharat stations and other transport systems. Its initiatives include strengthening first- and last-mile connectivity to make stations easier to access. The corporation is pursuing measures to reduce the project’s environmental footprint and improve its financial sustainability. These include solar energy initiatives and plans for a 110 MW captive solar power plant.

At an event marking the operational milestone, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal said improved regional transport could bring cities closer, expand access to economic opportunities and support growth. Minister of State Tokhan Sahu and senior officials also attended. NCRTC Managing Director Shalabh Goel said the organisation had made progress towards building a safe, reliable and environmentally sustainable regional transport system.

Also Read: Namo Bharat Corridor Sets New Ridership Record with Over 1.6 Lakh Passengers