On 17th October 2026 in New Delhi, NCRTC observed ‘Namo Bharat Diwas 2026’ to mark three successful years of Namo Bharat services and a journey that has transformed regional travel. The occasion was graced by Hon’ble Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal; Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu; Secretary, Department of Capital Development, MoHUA, and Chairperson, NCRTC, Smt. D. Thara; and Secretary, Department of Urban Development, Shri Satendra Singh. The dignitaries were received by NCRTC Managing Director Shri Shalabh Goel, together with the Directors and senior officials.
During the event, NCRTC looked back on the notable journey of Namo Bharat, drawing attention to major milestones, efforts to strengthen multimodal connectivity, first- and last-mile links that improve the commuter experience, and initiatives like Solar on Track and the development of a 110 MW captive solar power plant aimed at making the project environmentally and financially sustainable. A film presented these achievements and the project's progress, showcasing the efforts, innovations and initiatives that keep shaping the Namo Bharat journey.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal, said, “Namo Bharat’ is not merely a name; it embodies the spirit of putting the nation first, along with the values of dedication, culture and traditions. Namo Bharat rapid rail is ushering in a new era of regional connectivity in India, giving a new dimension to the future of urban transportation. Since its inauguration by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 20 October 2023, the 82-km-long Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut corridor has recorded over 4.5 crore passenger journeys. This achievement reflects the growing trust of the people in modern, safe and seamless transportation.”
He also added, “I believe that better transportation does not merely reduce distances between cities but also connects people with new opportunities, thereby accelerating regional development and economic progress. I commend all the officers, engineers, technical experts, employees and workers of NCRTC for their dedicated and committed contribution towards realising this ambitious project.”
Namo Bharat services began in October 2023, when the 17-km Priority Section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot was inaugurated. The rest of the corridor was then opened in phases. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated the complete 82-km Namo Bharat corridor, together with Meerut Metro, to the nation on 22 February 2026. At present, more than 1.1 lakh commuters use Namo Bharat every day, and the service recently logged its highest single-day ridership so far at around 1.68 lakh. Thanks to its fast, frequent and dependable services, Namo Bharat is making travel more efficient, putting workplaces, educational institutions and economic hubs within easier reach and offering commuters more convenience and time in their daily routines. Two more priority Namo Bharat corridors i.e. Delhi-Panipat-Karnal and Delhi-Gurugram-Behror are likely to receive the approval soon. In addition, two other corridors, Ghaziabad-Jewar and Noida-Faridabad-Gurgaon, are currently at the DPR stage.
The event also honoured the people who made this transformation possible. Addressing the gathering, Managing Director, NCRTC, Shri Shalabh Goel, said, “NCRTC was established with a vision to develop a modern, safe, reliable and environmentally friendly regional transport system in the country. Today, when we look back, it is a matter of pride to see that we have not limited this vision to paper but have made concrete and remarkable progress towards translating it into reality.” He specially thanked the families who stood steadfastly by team members through every challenge, describing their constant support as an essential part of the organisation’s journey.
The Annual NCRTC Awards were also presented on the occasion, honouring employees for outstanding performance over the year. Awardees were praised for their dedication and commitment to excellence, and for their valuable contribution to the successful implementation and operation of Namo Bharat. Beyond individual achievements, the awards also recognised the collective spirit and teamwork that keep NCRTC’s journey moving forward. Music and dance performances lent a lively cultural touch to the celebrations, filling the occasion with colour and energy.
Namo Bharat’s journey shows how modern public transport can bring people closer to opportunities and help build a more connected, accessible and sustainable region. Keeping commuters at the centre of its vision, NCRTC remains committed to promoting safe, comfortable, reliable and efficient mobility, while continuing to build on Namo Bharat’s achievements for the people of the region.