Heavy commuter turnout marked the first full operational day of the Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor, but littering and gutkha stains at stations triggered public concern
Meerut: The newly launched National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor connecting Delhi and Meerut witnessed strong passenger turnout on its first full commercial day.
The 82-km high-speed corridor was inaugurated after completion of the project, which was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Heavy ridership but cleanliness concerns
Authorities recorded more than 100,000 commuters on the day, marking a major operational milestone for the rapid transit network.
However, social media videos allegedly showed gutkha stains on station walls and discarded entry tokens and paper tickets on floors instead of dustbins provided at platforms.
Passengers were reportedly seen enjoying the new service, with some families taking selfies inside trains and on platforms. Visuals also showed festive scenes with commuters chanting slogans and showering flower petals as trains arrived.
Urban observers warned that maintaining cleanliness will be essential for preserving world-class infrastructure standards.
Project design and travel efficiency
The Namo Bharat RRTS system is engineered for speeds up to 180 km/h, significantly reducing travel time between Delhi and key Uttar Pradesh urban centres including Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Modinagar and Meerut.
The corridor is expected to improve regional connectivity, support daily commuters, and reduce road congestion.
Officials have not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the littering incidents. However, transport authorities are expected to intensify awareness campaigns and enforcement measures to prevent damage to station facilities.
Experts say commuter discipline will play a crucial role in sustaining the long-term success of India’s modern rapid transit infrastructure.
Published: 27 Feb 2026, 12:18 pm IST
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