Namo Bharat, operating on the Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), has officially become India’s fastest train, reaching a peak speed of 160 km/h. Previous semi-high-speed trains like Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat were capped at 130 km/h in June 2024, making Namo Bharat the new speed leader.
Namo Bharat
Operational section:
- New Ashok Nagar (Delhi) → Meerut South (Uttar Pradesh), 55 km of the total 82.15 km corridor.
Corridor & Route Details
- Full corridor: Sarai Kale Khan (Delhi) → Modipuram (UP), 16 stations.
- Target: Delhi to Meerut travel under 1 hour, even with stops.
- Trainsets: 36-car, running at 15-minute intervals.
- Distance between stations: 5–8 km; trains achieve peak speeds on longer intervals.
Train Design & Technology
- Designed in Hyderabad, manufactured at Alstom’s Savli factory, Gujarat.
- Features:
- Aerodynamic modern design
- Automatic Train Protection (ATP)
- Automatic Train Control (ATC)
- Automatic Train Operation (ATO)
- Function: Regional rapid transit for longer-distance commuters, different from metro services (fewer stops, higher speeds).
- No fixed timetable or seat reservations required.
Operational & Ridership Facts
- Launched 17-km Priority Section on 21 October 2023.
- Ridership: Over 1.5 crore passengers served since launch.
- Integration trial: Meerut Metro Services on same tracks, 23 km, 13 stations, enabling seamless transfers between regional and urban transit.
Project & Organizational Details
- Implementing Authority: National Capital Regional Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC).
- Ownership & Funding:
- Government of India: 50%
- State Governments (Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan): 12.5% each
- First-of-its-kind Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in India.
- Represents high-speed, integrated regional travel, setting a benchmark for future corridors.
Significance
- Reduces travel time and congestion on Delhi–Meerut corridor.
- Integrates regional and urban transport systems for enhanced commuter convenience.
- Demonstrates India’s advancement in semi-high-speed rail technology, leveraging modern design, automation, and energy efficiency.
- Prepares the nation for future rapid transit corridors connecting major urban and semi-urban areas.
Key Facts
- Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS): First system in India; combines metro convenience with high-speed rail capability.
- NCRTC: Formed as a joint venture for planning, construction, and operation of RRTS corridors in NCR.
- Other high-speed trains in India: Gatimaan Express (160 km/h), Vande Bharat Express (160 km/h max, capped at 130 km/h).