Namo Bharat – Passenger Rush Rises Across Delhi-Meerut Corridor During Kanwar Yatra
Namo Bharat – Passenger numbers on the Namo Bharat network connecting Delhi and Meerut have climbed sharply during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, as thousands of commuters are increasingly choosing rapid rail services over road travel disrupted by pilgrimage-related traffic restrictions.
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) said several stations along the Delhi-Meerut corridor have recorded a significant rise in daily footfall over the past few days. The increase has been driven largely by temporary road closures and traffic diversions introduced to ensure the smooth movement of Kanwar pilgrims, making road journeys slower and less predictable for regular commuters.
Ghaziabad Emerges as the Busiest Growth Point
Among all stations, Ghaziabad has reported the highest increase in passenger traffic. According to the NCRTC, the station is now serving nearly 15,000 to 20,000 passengers each day, reflecting a rise of more than 50 percent compared with normal travel patterns. The surge highlights the growing preference for the high-speed transit service among office-goers, students and daily travellers seeking a reliable alternative to congested roads.
Officials noted that Ghaziabad continues to remain one of the busiest stations on the corridor, alongside Anand Vihar and Begumpul, which are also witnessing heavy passenger movement throughout the day.
Several Other Stations Also Record Strong Growth
The increase in ridership has not been limited to Ghaziabad alone. NCRTC said Muradnagar and Guldhar stations have also experienced notable growth in commuter numbers during the pilgrimage period. Meanwhile, stations in Modinagar have registered around a 40 percent increase in daily passengers.
In the Meerut section of the corridor, Brahmapuri, Meerut Central and Meerut North stations have also reported higher-than-usual footfall. The trend indicates that commuters across different parts of the route are increasingly relying on Namo Bharat services to avoid traffic delays caused by the temporary movement restrictions on major roads.
Road Restrictions Shift Commuters Towards Rail
Every year, the Kanwar Yatra leads to extensive traffic management measures across parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and nearby regions. Several important roads are either closed to regular vehicles or diverted to provide safe passage for devotees participating in the annual pilgrimage.
As a result, many commuters have found road journeys to be time-consuming and uncertain. NCRTC said this situation has encouraged more people to switch to the Namo Bharat service, which offers uninterrupted travel unaffected by road congestion.
The corporation believes the recent rise in passenger numbers reflects the growing confidence of commuters in the rapid transit system, particularly during periods when road transport faces operational challenges.
Temporary Changes at Select Stations
NCRTC also informed passengers that a few entry and exit gates at selected Namo Bharat stations have been temporarily closed in accordance with administrative instructions issued during the Kanwar Yatra.
However, the transport authority clarified that train services continue to operate normally. Passengers can still access stations through alternative entry and exit points made available for public convenience. Commuters have been advised to follow station signage and directions from staff while planning their journeys.
The corporation added that necessary arrangements have been made to ensure passenger movement remains smooth despite the temporary gate closures, allowing travellers to continue using the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor without major disruption.