New Delhi: Since the commencement of the rapid rail operations in 2023, Namo Bharat trains have recorded a punctuality rate of nearly 99%. The commuter service operates between 6am and 10pm, with trains available at a frequency of 15 minutes. At least two crore people have used the facility since its launch. An official of National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which is executing the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut regional rapid transit system project, said the operational consistency was maintained even as Delhi-NCR experienced severe winter conditions, including dense fog. “Low visibility impacted road-based travel, leading to delays, congestion and accidents. Several trains on conventional networks ran late and flights were rescheduled. Amid these disruptions, Namo Bharat continues to complete its journeys on time, ensuring predictable and uninterrupted travel for commuters,” said the official. He added that the ability to remain on time during adverse conditions, including heavy rain, was demonstrated repeatedly. The work to ensure punctual and seamless operations continues round the clock. After the day’s operation concludes around 11pm, maintenance and inspection activities begin at the Namo Bharat depot in Ghaziabad’s Duhai and continue through the night to ensure the safety and reliability of trains, officials said. Ahead of the start of daily operations, test trains start moving on the tracks as early as 4am to ensure system readiness, safety and schedule adherence, they added. The spokesperson of NCRTC said, “Namo Bharat train operations are managed through a centralised operations control centre. The system is supported by advanced technologies, including ETCS level-2 signalling, a global first, which enhances operational efficiency and ensures safe, seamless and reliable services for commuters, even in adverse weather conditions.”The service also offers a climate-controlled travel environment, providing relief from harsh summer heat, winter cold and monsoon humidity. “Temperature control systems ensure commuter comfort across seasons, with heating systems operating during winter and airconditioned coaches offering respite during summer months. Since the start of operations, more than two crore commuter journeys have been recorded on Namo Bharat, reflecting growing trust in the system’s ability to deliver timely and reliable service on a daily basis,” said the official. Of the total 82km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, a 55km section across 11 stations from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South is currently operational. Trial runs on the remaining section were completed last Aug, but the entire stretch is yet to open. The train frequency will reduce to 10 minutes after the entire corridor becomes operational and it will take 58 minutes from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to reach Modipuram in Meerut.
