Two New Rapid Rail Lines from Sarai Kale Khan Planned for NCR: Khattar.

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Sunday that proposals for two new rapid rail corridors originating from Sarai Kale Khan are expected to receive approval soon, a move aimed at strengthening the high-speed transit network in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Speaking at the inauguration of the Sarai Kale Khan station on the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), Khattar said the planned corridors would enhance regional connectivity and significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and neighbouring states.

“One corridor is planned from Sarai Kale Khan to Karnal in Haryana, covering around 125–130 km, which can be completed in about one-and-a-half hours,” he said. Another proposed route will link Sarai Kale Khan with Babarpur in Haryana and Neemrana in Rajasthan.

The Sarai Kale Khan station, inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Meerut, will serve as a major interchange for the Delhi–Meerut RRTS and future rapid rail corridors. Khattar described it as a key hub that will anchor the next phase of transport planning in the NCR.

Highlighting the importance of expanding rapid rail and metro networks, Khattar said, “As Delhi grows into a major economic centre, pressure on roads and public transport increases. Transit-oriented development with housing and commercial spaces around metro and rapid rail stations is essential to reduce dependence on road travel.” He also emphasized the need for robust last-mile connectivity to ensure smooth movement between stations, homes, offices, and markets.

Referring to the broader NCR plan, Khattar noted that fast rail links would help distribute population and economic activity across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, easing congestion in the capital.

He further highlighted the rapid expansion of metro networks nationwide, noting that operational metro lines now span over 1,100 km across 24 cities, up from just 248 km in five cities a little over a decade ago. Daily metro ridership in Delhi alone has risen to around 1.25 crore passengers.

According to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), Namo Bharat services on the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut corridor have been extended on both ends, operating from New Ashok Nagar in Delhi up to Sarai Kale Khan, and from Meerut South to Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. Stations on the extended route include Sarai Kale Khan, New Ashok Nagar, Anand Vihar, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, Muradnagar, Modinagar South, Modinagar North, Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram.

Additionally, Meerut Metro services have commenced on the Meerut South–Modipuram section, covering stations including Partapur, Rithani, Bramhapuri, Meerut Central, Bhaisali, MES Colony, Daurli, and Meerut North. Both Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro services on the extended sections began operations from 6 pm on February 22, 2026.