NCRTC, Blue Dart explore express parcel movement on Namo Bharat trains

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) and Blue Dart Express Ltd have signed an agreement to explore the movement of express parcels on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor.

Signed on October 6, 2026, the agreement will examine the feasibility of using the regional rail network to transport e-commerce consignments and other time-sensitive urban cargo, with the broader objective of reducing delivery vehicles on roads and supporting cleaner freight movement across the National Capital Region (NCR).

Feasibility study to assess parcel movement

The two organisations will study operational requirements, anticipated parcel volumes, station infrastructure and other factors required to support rail-based parcel movement.

The proposed model would combine the corridor’s rail connectivity between Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut with Blue Dart’s pickup and delivery network across the NCR. This could enable faster movement of time-sensitive shipments while integrating rail transport into existing logistics operations.

NCRTC said the agreement is exploratory and any service would be introduced only after completing the necessary operational and feasibility assessments.

If found viable, the model could help reduce the number of delivery vehicles on NCR roads, potentially easing road congestion and vehicular pollution. NCRTC also said freight operations could generate non-fare box revenue and contribute to strengthening its financial position.

Delhi-Meerut corridor connects major NCR hubs

The 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor connects Delhi and Meerut in under an hour, passing through Ghaziabad and peri-urban locations including Muradnagar, Rithani, Bhaisali and Modipuram. It also links major transport hubs such as Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan.

NCRTC estimates that the corridor could take more than one lakh private vehicles off the roads and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 2.5 lakh tonnes annually.

The corridor has two depots, with the Duhai depot in Ghaziabad operational and the Modipuram depot in Meerut under implementation.

The service currently handles around 1.1 lakh commuters a day and has recorded more than 4.5 crore passenger journeys since operations began.

NCRTC and Blue Dart outline logistics potential

NCRTC Managing Director Shalabh Goel said the collaboration will examine how regional rail infrastructure can also contribute to the freight ecosystem while keeping public convenience at the centre.

Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce Division, said India is a significant growth market for DHL eCommerce and that Blue Dart’s service quality and network remain central to serving its customers.

Ciano said the collaboration would explore how regional rail connectivity could strengthen the logistics network and create additional value for customers across the NCR.