New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) Fifty-two additional Namo Bharat train trips will be introduced on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor from July 30 to August 14, reducing the train frequency to every eight minutes during the Kanwar Yatra, the NCRTC said on Tuesday.
The additional services have been planned in view of the expected rise in passenger traffic during the annual pilgrimage, when a large number of devotees travel to Haridwar to collect holy water and road traffic is affected due to movement of Kanwariyas, it said.
At present, Namo Bharat trains operate every 10 minutes on the corridor. With the introduction of the additional trips, trains will be available every eight minutes between Sarai Kale Khan and Modipuram.
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation said the frequency could be increased further if required, according to the corporation.
It said the holy month of Shravan begins on July 30, during which traffic restrictions and diversions are usually imposed on several roads to facilitate the movement of Kanwar pilgrims, affecting both public and private transport.
NCRTC said the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor currently records an average daily ridership of around one lakh passengers. The enhanced services are aimed at ensuring smooth and comfortable travel amid the anticipated surge in commuter footfall during the Kanwar Yatra.
Alongside the Namo Bharat services, Meerut Metro trains will continue to operate between Meerut South and Modipuram, providing connectivity within the city, it added.
The corporation further said Namo Bharat would offer a fast, reliable and punctual alternative for commuters during the period, when road congestion is expected because of traffic restrictions. The increased frequency is expected to benefit office-goers, students and other daily commuters.
NCRTC also said temporary road closures could affect parking facilities at some Namo Bharat stations. Commuters will be informed in advance if such a situation arises, it said.
Security and passenger management arrangements have also been strengthened with support from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in Delhi and the Uttar Pradesh Special Security Force (UPSSF) in Uttar Pradesh to minimise inconvenience to commuters, it added. PTI SHB NB
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