President, ADB Visits India’s First Namo Bharat Corridor During His Maiden Official Visit to the Country

President, ADB Visits India’s First Namo Bharat Corridor During His Maiden Official Visit to the Country

Meerut- Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), visited India’s first Namo Bharat Corridor on Thursday, 29th May 2025 during his first official visit to the country. He was hosted by a senior delegation of NCRTC led by Mr. Shalabh Goel, Managing Director of NCRTC, and other senior officials. 

During the visit, the ADB President travelled on the Namo Bharat train from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot Station, experiencing first-hand the speed, comfort, and commuter-centric features of this next-generation regional rail system. He appreciated the inclusive design of the train and stations, and commended the use of cutting-edge technologies.

On the occasion,  Shalabh Goel stated that, “the partnership with ADB has been of immense benefit to NCRTC in bringing in innovative technologies into the system”. Mr Kanda appreciated the team NCRTC and stated that, “we are committed to further strengthen ADB’s partnership with NCRTC”.  

At Duhai Depot, NCRTC showcased several community development initiatives undertaken under the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR). As part of these efforts, President Kanda distributed assistive aids — including smart canes, wheelchairs, crutches, and hearing aids — to specially-abled individuals. Certificates were also presented to women who had successfully completed employability training programs facilitated through the JFPR Grant. Further, women students who received self-defense and life skills training under the initiative shared their personal journeys with the visiting delegation. These initiatives reflect NCRTC’s commitment to inclusive growth, with ADB’s support, by empowering local communities and advancing gender equity through targeted skilling and outreach programs.

The delegation later visited 'Aparimit' — NCRTC’s Centre of Innovation. Officials demonstrated the use of advanced technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Building Information Modelling (BIM) for project implementation, operational efficiency, and immersive training. With ADB’s support, these digital solutions have helped NCRTC build a future-ready team and set global standards in project execution.

He was also briefed on NCRTC’s gender-inclusive operational model and interacted with women train operators and station controllers, who form a significant part of the workforce. The initiative reflects the commitment to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of women-led development, making Namo Bharat not only a technological benchmark but also a symbol of equitable public transport.

Apart from visiting the Namo Bharat corridor, President Kanda will also be meeting Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Finance Minister, Hon’ble Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs during this first official visit to India.

ADB is the lead multilateral funding partner for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, contributing approximately USD 1 billion. The corridor is India’s first semi-high-speed regional rail system aimed at transforming regional connectivity and promoting sustainable urbanisation across the National Capital Region.