Delhi’s Rapid Rail Section to Open on Jan 5 Connecting Anand Vihar and New Ashok Nagar
On January 5, 2025, the much-awaited Delhi section of India’s first semi-high-speed rapid rail corridor will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks a significant milestone in enhancing urban transportation within the National Capital Region (NCR). The new 13-kilometre section will connect Anand Vihar and New Ashok Nagar, extending the operational length of the rapid rail corridor to 55 kilometres.
Originally set for a December 29 launch, the inauguration was delayed due to national mourning following the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. This section of the rapid rail corridor is part of the larger Delhi-Meerut project, designed to provide swift, reliable connectivity between Delhi and its satellite cities. The Delhi section will offer commuters seamless integration with existing metro lines, enhancing overall transport connectivity in the capital. Anand Vihar, which already serves as a major interchange for metro, Indian Railways, and buses, will become a crucial transit hub. The rapid rail will provide better access to the metro lines, with Anand Vihar connecting to both the Blue and Pink Lines, while New Ashok Nagar will link directly to the Noida section of the Blue Line.
The corridor’s design features a 6-kilometre underground stretch starting at Vaishali station, adding to its appeal as a modern transportation network. Anand Vihar will be the only underground station in this section, while more underground stations are planned for the Meerut stretch. This rapid rail service is expected to provide a much-needed alternative to Delhi’s congested roads, offering commuters a fast and efficient mode of travel. The full 82-kilometre corridor is slated to be operational by June 2025, with the final station at Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi. Once fully operational, the Delhi-Meerut rapid rail corridor will help alleviate traffic pressure, ease daily commutes, and contribute to sustainable urban mobility in the NCR. The project’s progress, with trains already operating between Sahibabad and Meerut South, will significantly impact the region’s transport landscape, making it a cleaner and more efficient place to live.
