New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate a 13-km stretch of the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar on Sunday. This significant development marks the arrival of high-speed Namo Bharat trains in Delhi, enhancing regional connectivity.

With the new section operational, the corridor’s total stretch will expand to 55 km, connecting 11 stations. Currently, a 42-km section from Sahibabad to Meerut South with nine stations is operational. The newly added stretch includes six kilometers of underground track and features stations at Anand Vihar and New Ashok Nagar.

Starting Sunday at 5 PM, trains will operate every 15 minutes. The fare from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South is Rs 150 for standard coaches and Rs 225 for premium coaches. Commuters can now travel from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South in under 40 minutes, reducing travel time by one-third.

Anand Vihar: A Key Underground Station

Anand Vihar station, one of the largest on the corridor, is located just 8 meters below ground. It offers seamless integration with six public transport modes, including the Pink and Blue Metro lines, Anand Vihar Railway Station, two ISBTs (Swami Vivekananda and Kaushambi), and a city bus stand. Special engineering techniques were employed to construct this station beneath existing metro lines.

Key Features:

• Travel from Anand Vihar to Meerut South in 35 minutes.
• Separate entry/exit gates and FOB facilities ensure commuter convenience.
• Three bridges over the Ghazipur drain cater to vehicle and pedestrian movement.
• Designed with vitreous enamel panels and equipped with escalators, lifts, and stairs.
• Serves areas like Shrestha Vihar, Ramprastha, and Brij Vihar.

New Ashok Nagar: Elevated Engineering Marvel

New Ashok Nagar station, the first elevated Namo Bharat station in Delhi, is constructed 20 meters above the existing Blue Line metro station. This feat was achieved without disrupting metro services. The station is connected to the metro via a 90-meter-long FOB and features two parking lots with a combined capacity of over 500 vehicles.

Key Features:

• Strategically located to serve New Ashok Nagar, Mayur Vihar, and Vasundhara.
• Planned commercial center for commuter convenience.
• Reserved spaces for women, elderly, and Divyaangjans in trains.

A Landmark in Sustainable Mobility– Namo Bharat stations prioritize accessibility with ramps, tactile paths, large lifts, and dedicated wheelchair spaces. Facilities like free drinking water, washrooms, and 24/7 CCTV surveillance ensure passenger safety and comfort. Reserved coaches and train attendants further enhance the commuter experience.

The Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, part of the PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan, aims to decongest Delhi, curb pollution, and promote sustainable transport. When fully operational, the 82-km corridor with 16 Namo Bharat stations and nine Meerut Metro stations is expected to eliminate over one lakh private vehicles and reduce carbon emissions by 2.5 lakh tonnes annually.

Milestone Achievement – This inauguration underscores the government’s commitment to advancing urban mobility and environmental sustainability. Construction of the remaining sections, including New Ashok Nagar to Sarai Kale Khan and Meerut South to Modipuram, is progressing rapidly, promising to further enhance regional transit and connectivity.