“Namo Bharat Train is defining the new journey of New India and its new resolutions.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi on launch of Namo Bharat Train.
Over two decades ago, on December 24, 2002, the then Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, inaugurated the first section of the Delhi Metro. The Red Line connected Shahdara and Tis Hazari, beginning a transformative journey. Today, the Delhi Metro boasts 288 stations, a network length of nearly 400 kilometres, and twelve lines, and is an artery for the National Capital Region (NCR) economy.
Fast forward to October 20, 2023, when history repeated itself. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the priority section of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), covering five stations across 17 kilometres. The inauguration will pave the way for further expansion, mirroring the growth of the Delhi Metro.
The RRTS, known as Namo Bharat, transcends a mere transportation project. Its implications extend beyond connectivity, promising to reshape the urban landscape and drive economic development in the National Capital Region (NCR). In its first phase, covering Meerut, Panipat, and Alwar, the RRTS will span over 8,000 square kilometres and eclipse the Delhi Metro's current coverage of around 3,500 square kilometres.
The subsequent phases will include the Delhi-Palwal, Delhi-Khurja, Delhi-Rohtak, Delhi-Baraut, and Ghaziabad-Hapur routes and will expand the coverage of RRTS to over 25,000 square kilometres. This ambitious RRTS project will give a huge boost to connectivity and even redefine the region's urban landscape and economic activity.
The RRTS will decongest the national capital, enhance and improve the commutation experience, and make distant areas in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan accessible to the NCR. It will also become an enabler of employment opportunities, particularly for women.
The economic consequences of the RRTS are manifold. It is poised to alleviate the real estate sector's inflation in the NCR as people gravitate towards suburbs, driven by concerns like air pollution, water scarcity, and traffic congestion. The RRTS coverage area presents an opportunity for local bodies, supported by state governments, to capitalize on real and commercial estate development, create special economic zones for industries, and establish tourist hubs. For instance, an RRTS station in Murthal in Haryana can transform into a significant tourist destination, capitalizing on its proximity to Delhi and renowned food joints.
Like the successful model of the Delhi Metro, monetization strategies will be a priority for the National Capital Region Transportation Corporation (NCRTC). Stations, coaches (RAPIDX), and surrounding spaces can be leveraged for revenue generation, turning the DMRC and NCRTC into transportation entities and real estate players.
The impact it will have on the region's economy and urban landscape will unfold in the coming years, solidifying its status as a pivotal infrastructure project of the decade.
As the RRTS takes its first step, it prompts a reevaluation of how governments approach urbanization at the center and state levels. In fact, the Modi government's focus has shifted from overcrowded cities to expanded suburbs, encompassing towns and smaller cities. Key economic hubs are expected to be retained as work destinations, fostering a balanced approach for sustainable economic growth, environmental preservation, and urban expansion.
Perhaps, as Namo Bharat's RRTS sets a precedent, other major cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru can also contemplate similar regional rapid transit systems. It is a timely consideration, aligning with the needs of the ambitious ten-trillion-dollar economy target by 2035. The success of the RRTS could serve as a blueprint for fostering sustainable urbanization and economic prosperity in rapidly growing regions across the country.
Since 2014, Modi has stressed improving the urban landscape and lifestyle. With projects like the Namo Bharat Trains, metros in cities, and, more recently, the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link, the Modi government has been delivering on its promises, one project at a time. This ensures ease of living for millions of city residents and creates more suburban opportunities.
