RRTS Metro: Rapid Rail Transit System Routes, Timing, and Ticket Price

Reviews and Ratings

September, 16, 2025

In the bustling heart of India's National Capital Region (NCR), where traffic congestion, pollution, and long commutes have long plagued daily life, a revolutionary transport solution is poised to transform connectivity. By September 15, 2025, significant segments of this corridor are already operational, and the entire line will officially open only two days later, on 17 September 2025. This project can be considered as a step in the evolution of the infrastructure in India, which will reduce the time spent on the way from Meerut to Delhi by more than 2 hours to less than 60 minutes on the Rapid Rail.

RRTS is not simply a train service; it is a lifeboat for millions of commuters living in the overpopulated NCR that embraces Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. The system combines modern technology, such as the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2/3 signalling, and environmentally friendly electrification due to the capability of the trains to travel at 160 km/h speed. The projects, which are the brainchild of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a joint-stock company between the central and state governments, are estimated to cost 30,274 crore and are projected to benefit more than 8 lakh passengers every day when they are completed.

The blog explores the routes, timing, and prices of the RRTS Metro in detail, offering a guide of sorts to commuters. Whether you have a daily ride between Ghaziabad and Delhi or you are going to visit Meerut, it is important to know these factors in order to take advantage of such a game-changing system. We will discuss the stations, the schedule, the price systems, and so on, using the most recent updates, as the whole line is ready to go on.

History and Development of RRTS:

RRTS could be tracked back to the early 2000s, when the urbanization of the NCR brought to the fore the weakness of the current transport infrastructure. In 2005, a task force of the Ministry of Urban Development was established to conceptualize a multi-modal regional transit system, as specified in the Integrated Transport Plan of NCR 2032. In this plan, a high-capacity corridor was envisaged to reduce road traffic, which leads to a loss of billions of dollars every year because of road congestion and pollution.

In 2013, as a special purpose vehicle to supervise the project, the NCRTS was incorporated between the governments of India, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The Delhi-Meerut corridor has been developed on the basis of its strategic location, as the political capital is connected with industrial centers in western Uttar Pradesh. In 2017, a detailed project report was sanctioned, and in February 2019, it received Cabinet sanction. The construction was started in June 2019, and the foundation stone was laid by the present Prime Minister of the country, Narendra Modi, in March this year.

The normal delays experienced by the project were caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the difficulties in acquiring land, and underground tunneling in urban areas, which is complicated. The priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai (17 km) was initially scheduled to open in March 2023 but opened on October 20, 2023, and commercially opened the following day. This 4-station line was the first line of the Namo Bharat train, which was named in line with the PM's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Two more stages followed, with Duhai to Modinagar North in March 2024 (17.1 km, three stations) and Modinagar to Meerut South in August 2025 (8 km, two stations). By January 2025, the line had been extended westward to New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and was operationalizing 55 km with 11 stations.

Its growth has been based on technical innovations. The rolling stock of 30 six-car transets (expandable to eight cars) of Bombardier (now Alstom) has a capacity of 1,750 passengers per train. All sets have a premium and economy class, female-exclusive coaches, onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets, and CCTV cameras. The high speeds are made possible by the use of standard gauge (1,435 mm) and electrification by the use of 25 kV AC overhead tracks. In July 2024, it commissioned a world-first hybrid Level 3 ETCS signalling based on LTE, improving safety and efficiency.

The source of funding is a combination of equity (20%), multilateral loans (like the Asian Development Bank), and government grants. In 2020, the subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn received a 12-year operations contract. By the year 2025, the project is 95% done, and the remaining 27 km, which has underground stations, is Sarai Kale Khan and Meerut Central and is on the verge of completion. The completion of the corridor by September 2025 will match the deadline of infrastructure completion by the government and will guarantee connectivity to Delhi Metro, Indian Railways, and future extensions of the RRTs to Panipat (Haryana) and Alwar (Rajasthan).

The staged implementation has already increased the ridership by more than 1 lakh daily passengers on the portions where it has already been implemented, which highlights the fact that the RRTS will transform regional mobility.

Routes and Stations: Navigating the Delhi-Meerut Corridor

The Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor is the system's crown jewel, stretching 82.15 km from the heart of Delhi to the outskirts of Meerut, primarily along National Highway 34. The line combines both elevated viaducts (68 km) and trench tunnels (14 km) and surface sections along depots so that there is minimal disturbance to surface traffic. It is an important artery that links the capital. The total number of stations is 22 (Delhi 3 stations, Ghaziabad 5 stations, and Meerut 14 stations) with the metro extension. By September 2025, 11 stations have become operational on the 55 km route between New Ashok Nagar and Meerut South, with the rest expected to commence shortly.

Delhi Section: Urban Gateway

It starts in Delhi, where RRTS will be a part of the existing metro system.

Sarai Kale Khan (Terminal Station): This multi-modal hub will be the southern terminal, and it will be located near Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. It is underground; it has links to the Pink and Violet lines and the Indian Railways in the Delhi Metro. It is set to be open-ended in late September of 2025 and have the architecture of a peacock with its national pride. It is conveniently located in relation to the central bus terminals and thus ideal for the intercity traveler.
New Ashok Nagar: This high-rise station, which has been in operation since January 2025, is connected to the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro. It serves a middle-income residential neighborhood, with it being a major access point for southeast Delhi commuters. Facilities provided are escalators, lifts, and feeder buses.
Anand Vihar: This will be another exchange, which will be connected to the pink and blue lines of the metro, as well as a proposed line. It is a busy intersection next to the ISBT and railway station, where individual passengers to the eastern end of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh pass through. It is opened in stages and has commercial areas overhead.

Ghaziabad Section: Industrial Bridge

The stations in Ghaziabad are transitioning to Uttar Pradesh, serving the manufacturing and residential belts of the district.

Sahibabad: This has been the initial functional station since 2023, and it has been elevated and combined with the proposed metro extensions. It serves as an access point to Trans-Hindon residents, and the NH-24 is easily accessible.
Ghaziabad: Central areas, high-rise, connected to the railway station and the local bus. Caters to the administrative center of the city and has 500 parking spaces.
Guldhar: The high-rise station is a semi-urban environment with local commuters. Features bike-sharing docks.
Duhai: Raised above the depot, with stabling yards. Maintenance is an eye and serves such institutions as ABES Engineering College.
Murad Nagar: This is a new, high-tech bridge on the rural-urban fringe, opened in 2024.

Meerut Section: Suburban Extension

The longest stretch, Meerut's station, blends elevated and underground designs to navigate dense populations.

Modi Nagar South: Operational since March 2024, elevated, serving the industrial town of Modinagar.
Modi Nagar North: Twin station, focusing on the northern access.
Meerut South: End of current operations (August 2024), elevated, integrating with Meerut Metro. A major transit point for southern Meerut.

Upcoming stations (opening September 2025):

Partapur: Elevated, residential focus.
Rithani: Industrial linkage.
Shatabdi Nagar: Elevated, near Shatabdi Express routes.
Brahmapuri: Underground, urban connectivity.
Meerut Central: Underground hub, integrating with local rail and metro.
Bhaisali: Underground, serving central markets.
Begum Pul: Underground, historical areas access.
MES Colony: Underground, military, and residential.
Daurli: Elevated, outskirts.
Meerut North: Elevated, northern suburbs.
Modipuram: Northern terminus, elevated near depot, agricultural and educational hub.

The route's design emphasizes sustainability, with 35% green cover and solar-powered stations. Travel times: Delhi to Ghaziabad (~20 min), to Modinagar (~35 min), to Meerut (~55-60 min). Integration with eight metro-only stations (e.g., Partapur to Modipuram) extends reach via light metro trains. Feeder buses and multi-modal hubs at major stations enhance the last-mile connectivity, making RRTS a comprehensive network.

Timings and Schedules: Planning Your Journey:

One of RRTS's standout features is its commuter-friendly schedules, designed for peak-hour reliability and off-peak convenience. As the full corridor launches on September 17, 2025, trains will operate daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with frequencies as tight as 3-5 minutes during rush hours (7-10 AM and 5-8 PM) and 10-15 minutes otherwise. These high frequencies, up to 144 trains per direction daily, ensure minimal wait times, a boon for the NCR's workforce.

Daily Operations

First Train: Departs at 6:25 AM from both ends (Sarai Kale Khan/Modipurum). For the current operational stretch (New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South), the first train leaves New Ashok Nagar at 6:00 AM and Meerut South at 6:15 AM.
Last Train: Arrives by 11:00 PM, departing around 10:25 PM from terminals. From New Ashok Nagar, the last towards Meerut is as of 10:07 PM; from Meerut South, it's 10:00 PM towards Delhi.
Sundays and Holidays: Slightly adjusted, with the first train at 8:25 AM to accommodate weekend patterns, but maintaining the same end time.

Schedules vary by section due to phased openings. On the priority corridor (Sahibabad-Duhai), trains run every 15 minutes. The extended Duhai-Meerut South sees 10-minute headways. Post-full launch, end-to-end journeys will have synchronized timing, with express services skipping minor stations for faster trips.

Sample Timetable (Post September 2025)

Based on NCRTC projections and current patterns

Delhi to Meerut Direction:

Sarai Kale Khan: 6:25 AM, 6:40 AM, then every 5-10 mins peak.
New Ashok Nagar: Arrives at 6:35, frequent departures.
Anand Vihar: 6:45 AM first.
Arrival at Modipuram: Last at 10:50 PM.

Meerut to Delhi Direction:

Modipurum: 6:00 AM first.
Meerut South: 6:20 AM.
Sahibabad: Frequent till 10:00 PM, last departure.

Real-time tracking is available via the RRTS Connect app or website (rrts.co.in), which includes live maps, delay alerts, and trip planners. Stations display digital boards for updates. During festivals or events, special trains may extend hours, as seen in past Diwali runs.

For commuters, this schedule aligns with office timings, school shifts, and evening leisure, reducing road dependency. Women and senior citizens benefit from boarding during peaks. As ridership grows, NCRTC plans dynamic scheduling using AI to optimize based on demand.

Ticket Prices and Ticketing System: Affordable and Accessible

RRTS's fare structure is distance-based, promoting equity while incentivizing public transport. It offers two classes—Standard (Economy) and Premium (Business)—with premiums at 1.2-1.5 times the base fare, reflecting added comforts like reclining seats, more legroom, and lounge access at select stations (e.g., Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad). Fares are calculated per kilometer, starting at ₹20 for short hops, making it cheaper than cabs (₹500 for a similar distance) and competitive with buses.

Fare Structure:

Fares are slab-based and revised periodically by NCRTC. As of September 2025, here's the approximate chart for key routes (subject to official confirmation post-launch; check rrts.co.in for calculations):

Standard Class Fares:

Short Distance (up to 10 km, e.g., Shaibabad to Ghaziabad): ₹20-₹30
Medium (10-30 km, e.g., New Ashok Nagar to Duhai): ₹40-₹70
Long (30-50 km, e.g., Delhi to Modinagar): ₹80-₹120
Full Corridor (Delhi to Meerut, 82 km): ₹140-₹150

Specifics:

New Ashok Nagar to Anand Vihar: ₹30
Anand Vihar to Ghaziabad: ₹45
Ghaziabad to Meerut South: ₹100
New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South: ₹150

Premium Class Fares

Multiplier: 1.5x standard for most routes.
Short: ₹30-₹45
Medium: ₹60-₹105
Long: ₹120-₹180
Full: ₹210-₹225
New Ashok Nagar to Meerut: ₹225
Delhi-Ghaziabad: ₹40-₹75

Children under 5 travel free; 5-12 half-fare. Monthly passes (₹1,000-₹2,500) offer unlimited travel, ideal for regulars. Integration with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) allows seamless transfers to the Delhi Metro (with discounts).

Ticketing Options

QR Code Tickets: Digital via the RRTS Connect app or website; paper from vending machines/booths. Scan at gates.
Contactless Cards: EMV/NCMC for tap-and-go, supporting banks like SBI and HDFC.
Counter Purchases: Cash/card at stations.
Mobile App: One-tap booking, fare calculator, and integrated e-wallets.

Validation is mandatory: Concourse entry and platform for premium. Fines for evasion: ₹200+. Lost tickets? Use PNR for recovery. Post-2025, dynamic pricing may apply during peaks, but concessions for students/seniors remain (20-50% off).

This system ensures affordability—a full trip at ₹150 vs. ₹1,000 for a cab—while premium options cater to comfort-seekers. NCRTC's fare policy balances revenue with accessibility, funding expansions.

Benefits, Challenges, and Future Plans

RRTS promises multifaceted benefits: reduced emissions (electric trains cut CO₂ by 50% vs. roads), economic boost (shorter commutes add productive hours), and safety (fewer accidents). It decongests NH-9/34, benefiting 2 crore residents. Challenges include initial overcrowding and integration glitches, but NCRTC's monitoring mitigates these.

Future expansions: Panipat (Haryana, 2027), Alwar (Rajasthan, 2028), and eight corridors total by 2030. Meerut Metro linkage enhances local access. With 210 coaches ready, scalability is assured.
As RRTS Metro launches fully, it heralds a new era of rapid, reliable transit. From routes spanning vibrant stations to convenient timings and pocket-friendly prices, it's set to redefine NCR travel.