Delhi–Meerut RRTS: ADB Clears Final $299 Million Loan To Accelerate India’s Flagship Rail Connectivity Initiative In NCR

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a $299 million loan as the final tranche of the Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Investment Project, India’s flagship initiative to modernise urban transportation in the National Capital Region (NCR).

This fourth tranche elevates total ADB financing under the multi-tranche facility, approved in 2020, to $1.05 billion.

The 82 km Delhi–Meerut RRTS, the first of three priority corridors in the NCR, aims to cut travel time between Delhi and Meerut from over three hours to just one.

As of August 2025, 55 km of the corridor is operational, with 11 stations linking New Ashok Nagar in Delhi to Meerut South.

“The project marks a transformative step in India’s urban transport landscape,” said ADB Country Director for India Mio Oka.

“It not only enhances mobility but also promotes inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and is expected to serve as a model for future regional rapid transit systems across India and the Asia-Pacific region.”

Alongside funding, ADB has provided technical guidance on building information modelling, resilience, and value capture financing.

Trains on the corridor will run at speeds up to 180 km/h, with intervals of 5–10 minutes, offering safe, high-capacity commuter services.

The project is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by over 258,000 tons and encourage polycentric urban development across the NCR.

ADB’s support is supplemented by co-financing from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is executing the project, with implementation led by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation.

Please click here to add Swarajya as your preferred and trusted news source on Google

Also Read: Centre Clears Rs 4,645 Crore Disaster Mitigation And Recovery Projects For Nine States