Namo Bharat Train Delays: Daily Commuters Struggle as Timings Go Off Track — Maintenance Work to Continue for 15 More Days
Delhi-NCR: For thousands of daily commuters who rely on the Namo Bharat Train to travel between Delhi and Meerut, the last 10 days have been nothing short of frustrating. The high-speed train service, hailed as a lifeline for office-goers and students alike, is currently facing significant operational delays due to ongoing track maintenance work between New Ashok Nagar and Anand Vihar stations.
From 15 Minutes to 30: Timetable Disrupted
Until recently, passengers could expect a Namo Bharat train every 15 minutes, ensuring swift and efficient connectivity. However, that frequency has now doubled — with commuters being forced to wait up to 30 minutes for the next train. The result? Disrupted schedules, missed appointments, and growing dissatisfaction among passengers.
15 More Days of Disruption Expected
According to an official statement by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), the delay is unavoidable. The agency confirmed that crucial maintenance work is underway on one of the tracks connecting New Ashok Nagar and Anand Vihar. This work is expected to take at least another 15 days to complete.
As a result, train operations are currently limited to a single track in the affected stretch, forcing authorities to increase the interval between services. Commuters are bearing the brunt of this disruption — especially professionals and students who depend heavily on the punctuality of the Namo Bharat system.
One daily commuter working at an institute in Noida shared his frustration, saying,
“It’s been extremely inconvenient over the last 10 days. We now spend up to half an hour just waiting at the station. I urge the NCRTC to expedite the work.”
Station Infrastructure Issues Add to Woes
To make matters worse, infrastructure issues at New Ashok Nagar station remain unresolved. A tin shed that was blown away by a strong storm over a month ago still hasn’t been repaired. As a result, a significant portion of the platform remains exposed — raising concerns about passenger comfort and safety, especially with the monsoon season around the corner.
Commuters fear that without shelter, they may have to wait for trains under heavy rain. One passenger pointed out,
“If it starts raining, we’ll have no choice but to stand in the open and get drenched. This is not acceptable for a high-profile service like Namo Bharat.”
Need for Swift Action
While the NCRTC has assured the public that the repair work is progressing, the delays are beginning to erode confidence in a system that was initially celebrated for its efficiency and punctuality. The ongoing maintenance and lack of infrastructural responsiveness — such as the unrepaired station shed — highlight operational challenges that need immediate redress.
As Delhi-NCR’s first semi-high-speed regional rail service, Namo Bharat was envisioned as a model of modern urban connectivity. However, without timely maintenance and infrastructure management, its promise of speed and convenience remains on shaky ground.
Until then, passengers have no choice but to endure longer waits, reshuffled routines, and rising concerns — all while hoping for a swift return to normalcy.
