India’s first regional rapid train named Namo Bharat, which kickstarted operation between Sahibabad and Duhai station on 21 October, is now gearing up to change its operation timing. It has been reported that the train, which used to run from 6 am to 11 pm, now will operate from 6 am to 10 pm six days a week. On Sunday, it will provide the service from 8 am to 10 pm.
Officials have informed that the decision to update the timing has been taken due to low ridership on the above-mentioned stations. The timing is likely to be increased once the ridership will improve.
Here’s What NCRTC Official Says
Sharing the details about the same NCRTC official says “The 17km priority section was launched as a pilot project and Namo Bharat was never meant for inter-city commuting. Since it is operating only on a 17km section in Ghaziabad, ridership is not a criterion, as of now, to assess its success. Once the commercial operation commences from Duhai to Meerut, probably by March, the ridership will automatically increase.”
Read More: Delhi Odd-Even rule: Timing, exemptions on vehicles expected to be decided today
Namo Bharat Ridership
Meanwhile, the Namo Bharat has witnessed a total of 47,255 ridership and an average of 6,751 during the first week of operations. However, the officials have not reviewed the ridership data for November as yet.
Read More: Anand Mahindra offers solution to curb Delhi’s air pollution. See post
Namo Bharat Average Occupancy
As per the details shared by NCRTC, during the first week, the train saw an average occupancy for five standard coaches, including women-reserved ones, was 75 percent. While the premium coach occupancy stood at 25 percent.
