Namo Bharat trains run at 99% punctuality

Since the launch of the rapid rail operations in 2023, Namo Bharat trains connecting Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor have achieved an impresive punctuality rate of nearly 99%. The commuter service operates between 6am and 10pm, with trains arriving every 15 minutes. Since its inception, over two crore passengers have utilised the system.

An official of National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which is executing the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut regional rapid transit system project, told the Times of India that the operational consistency was maintained even as Delhi-NCR experienced severe winter conditions, including dense fog.

Also Read: Nearly 2,900 km of Namo Bharat RRTS corridors identified across India: Economic Survey


“Low visibility impacted road-based travel, leading to delays, congestion and accidents. Several trains on conventional networks ran late and flights were rescheduled. Amid these disruptions, Namo Bharat continues to complete its journeys on time, ensuring predictable and uninterrupted travel for commuters,” the official said. He added that the ability to remain on time during adverse conditions, including heavy rain, was demonstrated repeatedly.

Ensuring smooth and punctual operations is a round the clock effort. Once daily services conclude around 11 pm, maintenance and inspections begin at the Namo Bharat depot in Duhai, Ghaziabad, continuing through the night to gurantee train safety and reliability. Before operations commence, test trains run as early as 4 am to check systen readiness, safety and schedule adherence, as per the official cited by TOI.

Also Read: Rs 3,000-cr new bridge over Brahmaputra river to boost urban mobility in Assam

The spokesperson of NCRTC mentioned, "Namo Bharat train operations are managed through centralised operations control centre. The system is supported by advanced technologies, including ETCS level-2 signaling, a global first, which enhances operational efficiency and ensures safe, seamless and reliable services for commuters, even in adverse weather conditions."

The service also provides a temperature-regulated travel setting, ensuring comfort from extreme summer heat, winter chill, and monsoon humidity.

Out of the 82-km Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut corridor, a 55-km stretch covering 11 stations from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South is currently operational. Although trial runs on the remaining segment were completed last August, the full corridor has not yet been opened. Once the entire route becomes functional, train frequency will improve to every 10 minutes, and the journey from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut will take approximately 58 minutes.

With inputs from TOI