Nitya Sandesh Bureau
new delhi: NCRTC has been conferred with an award for the best passenger services and satisfaction for the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor at the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Expo 2026, held at Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. The award was presented by Shri Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Power to Shri Shalabh Goel, Managing Director, NCRTC under the category Metro Rail with the Best Passenger Service and Satisfaction.
The recognition comes as Namo Bharat continues to gain traction as a preferred mode of regional transport. Since the phased commencement of operations from October 2023, the corridor has recorded over 4.8 crore passenger journeys and now serves more than 1.1 lakh commuters daily. With the record of highest-ever single-day ridership of over 1.68 lakh passengers, it is reflecting the growing use of regional rail for everyday travel across the region. Prime Minister recently cited the corridor as a benchmark for positive governance, commending its adherence to project timelines, and 160 kmph operational speed. He also lauded the 99.9 percent punctuality of the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat train.
Namo Bharat has not just made travel between Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut significantly faster, reduced travel time between comfortable & air-conditioned coaches, timely train operations, modern stations and convenient interchange facilities have also made regional journeys more feasible for commuters travelling for work, education, business and other purposes. The service has also provided an alternative to road travel, particularly during congestion and extreme weather conditions that affect journeys. The corridor’s integration with other public transport networks like Metro, Indian Railways, interstate bus terminals and city buses is central to this experience. The first-of-its-kind integration of Meerut Metro services over the same infrastructure further strengthens connectivity across the region.
Adding to this achievement, NCRTC also secured first prize for its exhibition at UMI 2026, where it showcased the evolution of the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor and the way it is transforming regional mobility. The exhibition highlighted the system’s modern infrastructure, advanced technology, multimodal integration and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) initiatives. This is the second year in a row that NCRTC has won the award for ‘Best Exhibitor’ at UMI.
Beyond improving individual journeys, Namo Bharat is strengthening the links between major urban centres and the surrounding region. A shift in demographics is being observed where working professionals working in Delhi are relocating to their hometowns in NCR. Faster connectivity is making employment and educational destinations more accessible. Areas around stations are also seeing development across residential, commercial and service sectors, reinforcing the potential of regional rail to shape more connected urban growth.
