The Namo Bharat Corridor celebrated a remarkable year of milestones, from expanding operational sections to garnering global acclaim. With over 50 lakh commuters served, sustainable initiatives, and enhanced commuter-centric services, NCRTC has redefined urban transit. As the year concludes, the Namo Bharat project paves the way for future advancements in connectivity and sustainability.
More Details:
The year 2024 has been a landmark period for the Namo Bharat Corridor, showcasing growth, development, and innovation. The corridor achieved a significant milestone with the operationalization of an additional 13 km stretch of the Delhi Section of the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor. This expansion increases the operational corridor length from 42 km to 55 km, featuring 11 stations and providing enhanced connectivity for commuters. The seamless progression of the project reflects NCRTC’s commitment to revolutionizing urban transportation in India.
The Following are the Main Highlights for the Year 2024:
From 17 km to 42 km Operational Section: Inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on October 20, 2023, the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor began its journey with the 17 km Priority Section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot. The corridor rapidly expanded with the addition of 17 km to Modi Nagar North in March 2024, followed by another 8 km extension to Meerut South in August. These advancements have transformed the corridor into a vital lifeline for commuters, marking a swift and impressive operational growth.
50 Lakh Commuters & Construction in Full Swing:: The popularity of Namo Bharat services has been extraordinary, with over 50 lakh commuters utilizing its reliable and comfortable trains. The corridor’s design prioritizes speed and efficiency, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of regional transportation. Meanwhile, construction is progressing on the remaining sections, including the critical stretches from New Ashok Nagar to Sarai Kale Khan and Meerut South to Modipuram, ensuring the entire corridor remains on track for completion by 2025.
Commuter Centricity & Namo Bharat NCMC Card: NCRTC has placed commuter-centricity at the heart of its operations. Parking facilities for over 8,000 vehicles and partnerships with last-mile connectivity providers, such as rental two-wheelers, feeder buses, and autorickshaws, have made travel seamless. Discounts and innovative payment solutions, including the Namo Bharat NCMC travel card, further enhance the commuter experience.
Namo Bharat App & MoU with DMRC and IRCTC: Technological integration has also been a highlight, with the Namo Bharat App offering live train tracking, real-time parking availability, and other commuter-friendly features. Partnerships with DMRC and IRCTC have introduced integrated ticketing systems, enabling passengers to book tickets seamlessly across various platforms.
Emphasis on Green Power & Net Zero Stations: Sustainability remains a core focus, with NCRTC making strides in renewable energy adoption. Solar power plants at stations and depots have already achieved a capacity of 4 MW, with a target of 11 MW. The corridor’s commitment to green energy earned the IGBC Net-Zero Energy rating for Sahibabad and Guldhar stations, marking them as pioneers in sustainability.
Dignitaries Visit: Numerous dignitaries, including Shri Manohar Lal, Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Shri Tokhan Sahu, and delegates from AIIB and the World Bank, have visited the Namo Bharat corridor to experience its world-class services. They praised its state-of-the-art infrastructure and seamless multimodal integration at key stations.
Showcasing the Project to the Public: NCRTC showcased the transformative Namo Bharat Project at key events like the 17th Urban Mobility Conference & Expo, highlighting advanced technologies and commuter-centric features. Co-hosting the UITP TEFC meeting in New Delhi, NCRTC fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange, solidifying its role as a leader in modern urban transit.
Received Many Awards: NCRTC’s efforts have received widespread recognition, including the Best Transit Award at the UIC Sustainability Impact Awards 2024 in Berlin. The organization also earned the Platinum Global Sustainability Award for its dedication to renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Empowering Local Communities: The year has been equally notable for community engagement. Initiatives such as skill development programs, assistive aid distribution drives, and cultural events like Namo Bharat Unplugged and the Namo Bharat Book Fair have fostered strong public connections. Additionally, the corridor has opened its premises to filmmakers, offering a modern and dynamic setting for creative projects.
Successful One Year of Operation of Namo Bharat: In October, NCRTC celebrated one year of successful Namo Bharat operations with great enthusiasm. The milestone event also honored top users of the Namo Bharat Connect App, recognizing their active engagement and support for the service.
Opportunities of Shooting for Films: NCRTC now offers the Namo Bharat corridor and trains for short-term hire, providing a modern, dynamic backdrop for films, documentaries, and commercials at competitive rates. Additionally, it launched a short film competition to inspire budding creators and showcase their talent.
Meerut Metro Trainset: The unveiling of the first Meerut Metro trainset and the progress in construction work for the 23 km Meerut Metro section highlight NCRTC’s unwavering dedication to expanding services. With seven trainsets already delivered, testing and trials are underway, promising a new era of urban transit for Meerut.
Conclusion:
The Namo Bharat Corridor’s journey in 2024 has been nothing short of transformative. From infrastructure milestones to sustainability achievements and enhanced commuter services, NCRTC has set new benchmarks for urban transit. As the project moves forward, it promises even greater advancements, ensuring a future of seamless connectivity and sustainable progress for commuters and the nation alike.
Source: NCRTC – Press Release | Images Credit: NCRTC
