MANILA, PHILIPPINES (1 October 2025) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $299 million loan as the final tranche of the Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Investment Project which is India’s flagship initiative in the National Capital Region (NCR) designed to advance sustainable urban transportation.

This fourth tranche brings the total ADB financing under the multi-tranche facility, approved in 2020, to $1.05 billion. The Delhi–Meerut RRTS, spanning 82 kilometers, is the first of three prioritized corridors in the NCR aimed at revolutionizing regional connectivity by reducing travel time between Delhi and Meerut from over three hours to just one. As of August 2025, 55 km of the corridor is already operational, with 11 stations connecting New Ashok Nagar in Delhi to Meerut South.

“The project marks a transformative step in India’s urban transport landscape,” said ADB Country Director for India Mio Oka. “It not only enhances mobility but also promotes inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and is expected to serve as a model for future regional rapid transit systems across India and the Asia-Pacific region.”

Beyond financing, ADB has supported the project offering technical expertise in building information modeling, resilience, and value capture financing. The project is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by over 258,000 tons and catalyze polycentric urban development across the NCR. With trains operating at speeds up to 180 kilometers per hour and intervals of 5–10 minutes, the system promises safe, reliable, and high-capacity commuter services.

ADB financing for the project is complemented by a joint cofinancing from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific. The project is being executed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.