As India treads steadily but firmly towards the goal of Viksit Bharat, its National Capital Region (NCR) is poised to play a pivotal role in this journey. Contributing over 8% to the country’s GDP, this 55,000-hectare region is a powerhouse of India’s economic rise. Yet, the economic potential of the NCR remains far from fully tapped—and a key pathway to unlocking it lies in accelerating and transforming regional mobility.
A transformative step in this direction is the phased introduction of India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), popularly known as the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor. Under the Functional Plan of Transport for NCR (2032), eight RRTS corridors have been identified to connect towns across the NCR through high-speed, high-frequency, rail-based commuter transit systems.
Delivering on the vision of futuristic, commuter-centric mobility, the Delhi–Meerut Corridor stands as India’s first semi-high-speed rail system, designed for speeds of up to 180 kmph and operating at a maximum of 160 kmph. It also sets a global benchmark with the world’s first deployment of ETCS Hybrid Level 3 over LTE signalling, enhancing safety and technological sophistication.
This pioneering signalling system will also pave the way for future corridors to be fully interoperable. To further ensure seamless through-travel for commuters, all three Phase I corridors are being designed to converge at Sarai Kale Khan, enabling passengers to traverse the length and breadth of the NCR with ease. For example, a traveller from Meerut could directly journey to Karnal or beyond Manesar faster and more comfortably than ever before.
Namo Bharat’s relentless focus on building an integrated “network of networks” has translated into meticulous multimodal integration with Indian Railways, Delhi Metro, and bus services. Physical integration is being ensured through provisions such as escalators, foot overbridges, and travelators at key intermodal hubs like Anand Vihar and Ghaziabad.
A standout example of this integrated approach is the provision of intra-city metro services (MRTS) along a 21 km stretch of the Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor. To efficiently accommodate both MRTS and RRTS services, stations have been designed so that MRTS trains stop at all designated MRTS stations, while RRTS trains bypass these smaller stops to maintain high-speed regional connectivity. This model ensures seamless integration of rapid regional transit with convenient intra-city travel, delivering unprecedented commuter convenience.
Although a rail-based transit system like RRTS is inherently green due to reduced reliance on private vehicles, concerted efforts have been made to further enhance the sustainability footprint of the Namo Bharat project. Two stations of the Delhi–Meerut Corridor have already been awarded Net-Zero Energy (Operations) certification by IGBC. NCRTC has also set an ambitious goal of meeting 60% of its energy requirements through renewable sources. In line with this, rooftop solar plants with a capacity of 4.7 MWp (out of 15 MWp) have already been installed under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model. This will generate around 53 lakh units of clean energy annually, reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 4,900 tonnes each year, and result in annual electricity cost savings of about 2.10 crore.
To further promote sustainability, NCRTC has incorporated regenerative braking features in trains, lifts, and escalators. Solatubes have been installed in depot buildings to minimise the use of artificial lighting during the daytime. Additionally provisions for rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems and efficient LED lighting in depots, stations, and along the viaduct have also been made.
Also Read | Gujrat on the Move: GSRTC’s Journey of Innovation, Sustainability, and Social Impact
NCRTC’s strong focus on digital innovation from day one has been pivotal in enabling timely execution while building a sustainable, integrated, and technologically advanced system. Its in-house project monitoring tool SPEED (Systematic Program Evaluation for Efficient Delivery) captures real-time construction data, flags delays, and ensures rigorous monitoring—so effective that it is now deployed in other organisations as well. Comprehensive bottom-up BIM implementation has enabled seamless collaboration between designers, consultants, and implementers. Additionally, NCRTC has strategically deployed a highly customised Asset Management System (AMS) that supports not only faster execution but also efficient long-term maintenance of the network.
Having consistently received recognition from leading international platforms such as UIC (International Union of Railways) and UITP (International Association of Public Transport), the RRTS exemplifies how futuristic planning, advanced technology, and integrated design can redefine mobility. Serving as a benchmark for projects under the National Mobility Mission, it can inspire similar initiatives that collectively accelerate India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.
Views expressed by Mahendra Kumar, Director (E&RS), National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)
Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter, Instagram.
"Exciting news! Elets technomedia is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest insights!" Click here!
