Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 24: In a remarkable public response, chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” echoed inside the coaches of the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) as the high-speed train network recorded its highest-ever single-day ridership, crossing the one lakh mark on its first full day of operations along the complete Delhi–Meerut corridor.
The milestone came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the entire 82-km corridor along with the Meerut Metro link, marking the commencement of commercial services across the full stretch.
According to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which is executing the project, the ridership was expected to cross one lakh with the last train departing at 10 pm on Monday — the highest recorded so far since the phased launch of the corridor.
Visuals from Begumpul station in Meerut portrayed a festive atmosphere, with large crowds assembling from early morning to experience the rapid transit service. Families, youth and elderly commuters were seen clicking selfies and capturing moments inside the trains and across the spacious station premises.
In several videos circulating online, passengers were heard raising patriotic slogans during their maiden journey. Some commuters showered flower petals as the train approached the platform, while others waved cheerfully, reflecting the celebratory mood surrounding the launch.
Despite the heavy turnout, queues remained orderly at ticket counters and entry gates. Station personnel were seen guiding first-time passengers and explaining safety measures and boarding procedures.
On Sunday, the Prime Minister flagged off the remaining sections — the 5-km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21-km extension from Meerut South to Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh — thereby completing the entire alignment.
Engineered for speeds of up to 180 kmph, the Namo Bharat trains are expected to drastically cut travel time between Delhi and key urban hubs such as Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut. The corridor is being viewed as a transformative step towards strengthening regional connectivity and easing traffic congestion in the National Capital Region.
Officials noted that the unprecedented response on the first full day reflects strong public confidence in the high-speed transit system and signals a new chapter in India’s urban mobility landscape.