Prime Minister Narendra Modi Flags Off ‘Namo Bharat’ Regional Rail Service

Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Namo Bharat,’ India’s first semi-high-speed regional rail service in Uttar Pradesh. This significant event marked the commencement of the Regional Rapid Train Service (RRTS) in the country.

Transformative Initiative

‘Namo Bharat‘ is a transformative regional development initiative aimed at providing high-speed intercity train services, as stated by the Prime Minister’s office (PMO). The service is designed to enhance regional connectivity and offer efficient transportation options.

Prime Minister Modi’s Inaugural Ride

Prime Minister Modi not only flagged off ‘Namo Bharat’ but also took a ride on the train, where he interacted with schoolchildren and other passengers. He emphasized that ‘Namo Bharat’ would connect various parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan in its initial phase. He also announced that the entire 82-kilometer stretch connecting Delhi and Meerut would be completed within the next 1-1.5 years.

Name Change: From RapidX to ‘Namo Bharat’

It’s noteworthy that the name of the rail service was changed from RapidX to ‘Namo Bharat,’ signifying its strong association with Prime Minister Modi’s vision and leadership.

Opening of Priority Section

The 17-kilometer priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor will be open for passengers starting tomorrow, a day after its official inauguration. This section includes five stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and Duhai Depot.

Passenger-Centric Features

The RRTS trains are designed with a focus on passenger comfort, offering amenities like overhead storage, Wi-Fi, and charging options at each seat. Additionally, a premium-class car with spacious seating, ample legroom, and coat hangers provides an enhanced travel experience. Safety features include CCTV cameras, an emergency door-opening mechanism, and a button for communication with the train operator.

Significant Investment

The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is being developed at a cost of more than ₹30,000 crore and aims to connect Delhi to Meerut in under an hour. This will involve traversing through urban centers like Ghaziabad, Muradnagar, and Modinagar, in alignment with the PMO’s vision for improved regional connectivity.