President of New Development Bank Visits Namo Bharat Corridor

President of New Development Bank Visits Namo Bharat Corridor

Appreciates emphasis on creating a network of networks

Meerut.President of the New Development Bank (NDB), Ms. Dilma Rousseff, visited the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor on Monday, 9th March 2026, along with a delegation of senior officials from NDB. The delegation was welcomed by Mrs. Namita Mehrotra, Director/Finance, NCRTC, along with other senior officials.

The visit began at the Sarai Kale Khan Namo Bharat Station, the originating station of the corridor. The delegation was briefed on the overall vision of India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) i.e. Namo Bharat, advanced technologies deployed in the project and key innovations that are shaping a new paradigm of regional mobility. 

Sarai Kale Khan is emerging as a major multi-modal transit hub with seamless connectivity to Delhi Metro, Railway Station, ISBT, city bus services and the Ring Road. During the visit, the delegation experienced the station’s integrated design and the emphasis on seamless commuter movement across different modes of public transport. Ms. Rousseff was also informed that all the three priority Namo Bharat corridors of Phase-1 will converge at Sarai Kale Khan and will be interoperable.

Multi-Modal Integration (MMI) has been the tenet of the project. Namo Bharat stations have been designed in a way to provide integration with existing public transport systems, wherever possible. This approach will eventually lead to creation of a huge network-of-networks, enable smooth transfers for commuters and encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport.

The delegation was also apprised of the role of Namo Bharat in addressing key urban mobility challenges in the region such as vehicular congestion and air pollution, while supporting sustainable and balanced regional development. The project’s potential to enable polycentric growth and transform mobility patterns across the National Capital Region was also discussed, a change that is already becoming visible along the corridor.

As part of the visit, the delegation undertook a round trip on the Namo Bharat train between Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar stations, gaining firsthand experience of the commuter-centric design of the trains and the passenger amenities provided at the stations. At Anand Vihar, they also observed how multi-modal integration initiatives are facilitating smooth passenger movement on a daily basis. Ms. Rousseff appreciated the inclusive design of both trains and stations and the strong emphasis placed on making the system universally accessible. 

The delegation was also briefed on NCRTC’s gender-inclusive operational model. Ms. Rousseff interacted with women train operators and station controllers who form a significant part of the workforce and was appreciative of the efforts made by NCRTC for the gender inclusivity and empowerment. The initiative also reflects the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India’s vision of women-led development, positioning Namo Bharat as a vehicle of women empowerment.

Recently, on 22nd February 2026, the Hon’ble Prime Minister dedicated the entire Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor to the nation, marking a transformative new chapter in the country’s urban mobility landscape.