TransitUpdate – Namo Bharat Corridor Records Three Crore Passenger Journeys
TransitUpdate – The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor has reached a significant benchmark by completing more than three crore passenger journeys, underlining the increasing reliance of commuters on the high-speed regional transit network across the National Capital Region.
The achievement comes only a few months after the entire corridor became operational, reflecting the growing popularity of the rapid transit system among daily travelers. Officials associated with the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) said the steady rise in passenger numbers highlights strong public confidence in the corridor’s efficiency, speed, and connectivity.
Daily Ridership Continues to Rise
According to NCRTC officials, weekday ridership on the corridor currently ranges between 90,000 and 1.14 lakh passengers. Even on Sundays, the service continues to witness substantial usage, with around 85,000 passengers travelling regularly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the full Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor along with the Meerut Metro on February 22, 2026. Since the inauguration, the corridor has seen rapid growth in commuter traffic, especially from office-goers and intercity travelers looking for faster transportation alternatives.
Expansion Played a Major Role
The project first began operations on October 21, 2023, with the opening of the 17-kilometre priority section connecting Sahibabad and Duhai Depot. During its early phase, the service recorded nearly 72,000 passengers in its first complete month.
As additional sections became operational, including extensions up to Modinagar North and later Meerut South, the network expanded to 42 kilometres. The increase in operational coverage directly contributed to rising commuter numbers. By December 2024, monthly passenger traffic had touched seven lakh, representing a sharp increase compared to the previous year.
Delhi Connectivity Boosted Passenger Numbers
A major jump in ridership was observed after the Delhi section between New Ashok Nagar and Sahibabad opened in January 2025. The corridor’s connection with important transit hubs, particularly Anand Vihar, improved accessibility for commuters travelling from different parts of Delhi and nearby cities.
Transport experts believe the improved interchange facilities encouraged more passengers to shift from road-based travel to the regional rapid transit system. Reduced travel time and better convenience have been among the key reasons behind the corridor’s popularity.
By May 2025, the corridor had already crossed the one crore passenger journey mark. In the following months, monthly ridership continued to rise steadily, reaching close to 15 lakh by July 2025.
Full Corridor Operations Accelerated Growth
Passenger traffic increased further after the final 26-kilometre section of the corridor became operational in February 2026. Since the completion of the full route, the transit system has witnessed faster growth in daily usage.
Official figures showed that March alone recorded nearly 27 lakh passenger journeys. Authorities also confirmed that another one crore journeys were added within less than five months, demonstrating the corridor’s expanding role in regional public transport.
The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor is being viewed as one of the country’s major urban mobility projects aimed at reducing road congestion and improving intercity travel efficiency within the NCR region. With commuter demand continuing to grow, officials expect passenger numbers to rise further in the coming months.