The proposed Namo Bharat corridors connecting Delhi with Panipat-Karnal and Gurugram-Behror are likely to receive approval soon, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) said on Sunday.
The update came as the corporation marked three years of Namo Bharat regional rapid rail operations. Detailed project reports (DPRs) for two additional corridors, Ghaziabad-Jewar and Noida-Faridabad-Gurugram, are also under preparation.
The proposed expansions aim to strengthen regional connectivity across the National Capital Region (NCR), linking major urban centres and supporting commuter movement between cities.
Namo Bharat corridors planned for regional expansion
The Delhi-Panipat-Karnal and Delhi-Gurugram-Behror routes are among the proposed priority corridors awaiting approval, according to the NCRTC.
Meanwhile, the corporation is preparing DPRs for the Ghaziabad-Jewar and Noida-Faridabad-Gurugram corridors. These projects remain at the planning stage, with no approval timeline specified in the announcement.
Alongside network expansion, NCRTC is working to improve multimodal connectivity and first- and last-mile access for commuters. These measures are intended to make regional rail services easier to access and integrate with other modes of transport.
The corporation is also pursuing environmental and financial sustainability initiatives. These include solar energy measures and the development of a 110 MW captive solar power plant.
Namo Bharat records over 4.5 crore passenger journeys
The existing 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor has recorded more than 4.5 crore passenger journeys since operations began in October 2023, NCRTC said.
The service currently carries over 1.1 lakh commuters daily. It recently recorded its highest-ever single-day ridership of around 1.68 lakh.
Operations began on October 20, 2023, with the inauguration of the 17-km priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot. The remaining sections opened in phases.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the entire 82-km corridor to the nation on February 22, 2026, alongside the Meerut Metro.
Government highlights regional connectivity gains
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal attended the anniversary event alongside Minister of State Tokhan Sahu and senior officials.
Manohar Lal said the regional rapid rail service was ushering in a new phase of regional connectivity and adding a new dimension to urban transportation.
He added that improved transport links reduce distances between cities, connect people with opportunities and support economic growth.
NCRTC Managing Director Shalabh Goel said the organisation had made substantial progress towards developing a modern, safe, reliable and environment-friendly regional transport system.
The event also included the annual NCRTC awards, recognising employees for their performance during the year, alongside cultural programmes.
NCRTC said it would continue focusing on safe, comfortable and reliable transport services across the region as it works towards expanding the regional rapid rail network.
