Deutsche Bahn to Expand Namo Bharat RRTS with Two New Projects.

German rail transport giant Deutsche Bahn (DB), which manages the operation and maintenance of India’s first regional rapid transit system (RRTS), now known as Namo Bharat, is planning to secure at least two more projects in the country over the next five years.

Niko Warbanoff, Chief Executive of DB E.C.O. Group, stated that these projects will include both RRTS and metro rail initiatives. “We are not here just for one project. I am keen to expand our business and contribute to India’s infrastructure development with our expertise,” Warbanoff said in an interview with Businessline. He emphasized that extending corridors around the National Capital Region (NCR) remains a top priority.

Warbanoff also noted that various administrations are exploring RRTS-type projects to enhance multimodal connectivity and provide seamless transport options. “RRTS plays a crucial role in integrating different modes of transport. Metro and bus systems cater to short distances, while RRTS provides fast connectivity over longer distances,” he explained.

Highlighting the Indian government’s focus on urban mobility, he added, “Infrastructure like RRTS, Namo Bharat, and metro systems are top priorities for both the central and state governments. The continued expansion of these networks is essential for societal and economic development, ensuring better access to education and employment opportunities.”

Currently, Deutsche Bahn operates a 55-km stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat RRTS, which is set to expand to 82 km this year. “This system has significantly reduced travel time from two to three hours to just 40 minutes—a major advantage for passengers,” Warbanoff said.

The first phase of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor was inaugurated in October 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. DB International Operations, a subsidiary of DB E.C.O. Group, secured a ₹1,493.08 crore, 12-year contract from the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to manage operations. The German firm plans to operate 40 RRTS trains across the network as part of its long-term strategy in India.

HBL