The NCR Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is making significant progress in completing the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project ahead of the June 2025 deadline. Work has also been completed on shifting utilities for the Delhi-SNB (Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behrod) corridor, indicating that the project is likely to be rolled out in the next couple of months.
Preliminary approvals for the proposed two RRTS corridors connecting Delhi with SNB and Panipat have already been obtained. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) granted in-principle approval for both routes in July 2017, and the NCRTC Board approved the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) in March 2020. The Haryana government approved the Delhi-Panipat RRTS corridor in January 2021, and the process of identifying station land for an extension to Karnal was carried out in August of the same year.
However, the Delhi government’s approval of its financial commitment for the DPR of the Delhi-Panipat RRTS corridor was pending until February 2023. In December of last year, the Delhi government expressed its willingness to grant in-principle/administrative approval for the Delhi-Panipat RRTS project, provided that its share of the contribution was met by the Centre. As a result, the Delhi government released Rs 50 crore as an initial fund for this RRTS project following a judgment from the Supreme Court.
Officials remain confident that the two corridors will soon take final shape to ensure faster regional connectivity, particularly after the new government takes charge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the launch of the Namo Bharat RapidX train connecting Sahibabad to Duhai Depot, also emphasized that the 80 km Delhi-Meerut stretch is just the beginning, with many areas of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan being connected through the first phase of the RRTS project.
With these developments, it is clear that the NCRTC is making significant strides in completing the RRTS project on schedule. The approval from various authorities and the allocation of funds reflect the commitment of both the central and state governments to enhance regional connectivity and improve transportation infrastructure in the National Capital Region. As the RRTS project progresses, it is expected to greatly benefit commuters and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region.
