Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the additional 13 km section of the Namo Bharat corridor between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar today (January 5, 2025). This will connect Meerut city directly to Delhi, reducing travel time by one-third. The inauguration will take place at 11 a.m., and passenger operations will begin at 5 p.m. The fare for the journey from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South is ₹150 for the standard coach and ₹225 for the premium coach.
What is Namo Bharat Corridor?
The Namo Bharat Corridor is a major transportation project aimed at improving connectivity between Delhi and Meerut, located in northern India. The project is designed to provide an efficient, fast, and environmentally-friendly mode of travel for commuters. Here’s an overview of the key features and details about the corridor:
Key Features of the Namo Bharat Corridor:
- Length: The entire Namo Bharat Corridor spans 82 km, connecting Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut.
- Stations: The corridor will feature 16 Namo Bharat stations along with 9 additional stations for the Meerut Metro, making it a comprehensive regional transit system.
- Speed: Namo Bharat trains are designed to significantly reduce travel time. For example, the journey from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South will take just under 40 minutes, reducing the time by one-third compared to traditional road travel.
Features:
- Underground Section: The recently inaugurated 13 km section includes a 6 km underground stretch, with prominent stations like Anand Vihar serving as major transit hubs.
- Environmentally Friendly: The Namo Bharat Corridor is expected to take over 1 lakh private vehicles off the road once fully operational and reduce carbon emissions by 2.5 lakh tonnes annually.
- Accessibility: The project includes dedicated facilities for women, elderly, and Divyaangjans (persons with disabilities). Specific spaces for wheelchairs and stretchers are provided, and stations are equipped with free drinking water and washrooms.
- Integration with Other Transport: The New Ashok Nagar station is connected to the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro via a 90-meter-long foot-over bridge, offering seamless connectivity for commuters.
Inaugurations:
- The 17 km priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot was inaugurated in October 2024.
- The newly inaugurated 13 km Delhi section will connect Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar and includes underground tracks and modern facilities.
Project Goals:
- Commuter Convenience: The project focuses on enhancing passenger comfort, with modern amenities such as panic buttons inside trains and stations.
- Sustainability: The Namo Bharat Corridor is a green initiative to reduce the number of private vehicles and promote eco-friendly public transportation.
Future Plans:
- The corridor’s full operation will enhance connectivity, supporting faster travel between Delhi and Meerut, promoting economic growth and providing a more sustainable transport option for the region.
This corridor, with its high-tech infrastructure, advanced passenger facilities, and environmental benefits, is set to revolutionize regional transportation in northern India.
Relevance for UPSC CSE
The inauguration of the Namo Bharat corridor by PM Modi is relevant for the UPSC CSE as it highlights infrastructure development, regional connectivity, and sustainable transport solutions, which are important topics under General Studies Paper III (Economic Development, Infrastructure). It also relates to environmental sustainability and urban planning.
Also Read: Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 Report
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes, focusing on the relevance of the topic for UPSC aspirants. Students should stay updated on further developments and refer to official sources for comprehensive preparation.
Follow Fusion IAS