New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In a significant push to tackle traffic congestion, air pollution and rising commute times in the National Capital Region, the Union Budget 2026 has allocated an additional ₹2,200 crore to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). The move signals the Centre’s renewed focus on high-speed, environment-friendly public transport as a long-term solution to Delhi-NCR’s urban crisis.


The funding will accelerate the implementation of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), a flagship project aimed at reducing dependency on private vehicles while offering commuters a fast, reliable and low-emission travel option.


Namo Bharat Corridor at the Core
A major share of the allocation will strengthen the Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, considered the backbone of the NCR’s future mobility plan. Of the 82-km corridor, 55 km is already operational, drastically cutting travel time and easing pressure on road networks.


More Corridors, Bigger Impact
The Centre has also outlined future expansion under NCRTC, including:
Delhi–Panipat–Karnal
Delhi–Gurugram–Bawal
Delhi–Faridabad–Palwal
Delhi–Shahdara–Baraut
Once operational, these corridors are expected to slash commute times dramatically—Delhi to Karnal in just 90 minutes, and Kashmere Gate to Murthal in around 30 minutes.
Direct Strike on Pollution
Officials estimate that with the full rollout of RRTS:
Public transport share will rise from 37% to nearly 63%
Over 1 lakh private vehicles will be taken off NCR roads
Annual carbon dioxide emissions will drop by nearly 2.5 lakh tonnes
This positions NCRTC as a critical weapon in the fight against Delhi-NCR’s worsening air quality.


Beyond Speed: Health and Sustainability
Beyond faster travel, the investment is aimed at decongesting urban roads, improving public health, and cutting fossil fuel dependence. Policymakers believe that expanding clean mass transit is the only sustainable way to manage NCR’s exploding population and vehicle numbers.


In essence, the ₹2,200 crore allocation to NCRTC reflects the Centre’s strategy to balance infrastructure growth with environmental responsibility, redefining how millions will move—and breathe—in Delhi-NCR in the years ahead.