Impact: Urban mobility in the National Capital Region improved.

Outcome: Efficiency, safety, social inclusiveness, and environmental sustainability of transport in the Delhi-Meerut regional rapid transit system (RRTS) corridor improved.

Outputs: (i) Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor commissioned, (ii) Institutional capacity of the NCRTC strengthened, and (iii) Mobility and economic opportunities of women and differently abled improved

Implementation Arrangements: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and National Capital Region Transport Corporation will be the executing agencies.

Project Readiness: Readiness is high as the complete scope to be financed by the MFF has been appraised by ADB. Environmental and social due diligence have been completed for the entire corridor. The COVID-19 pandemic has not affected the project implementation arrangements or cost estimate. The project implementation period of 7 years provides adequate cushion for some delays. As instructed by the government, guidelines and standard operating procedures have been developed and are being strictly implemented for resumption of regular works at various NCRTC site offices and construction sites.

The proposed tranche 2 project is classified as environmental impact category A under ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). The safeguard aspects of the project were fully appraised during the preparation of tranche 1 and there is no change in scope nor environmental issues under tranche 2. The safeguard documents disclosed on the ADB website remain in effect and do not require updates.Most of the alignment will be built along the center of an existing busy highway. Given the large scale of construction works involving the use of heavy equipment, health and safety risks are anticipated for the construction workers, existing road users, and residents living near the alignment. Other anticipated environmental issues include removal of trees; disturbance from construction-related noise and vibration; generation of large quantities of waste, including excavated material; risks of health and communicable diseases from large numbers of workers; and generation of dust, air, and water pollution.

The NCRTC has prepared an environmental assessment and review framework, and an environmental impact assessment (EIA), including an environmental management plan (EMP), in accordance with ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement. The EIA was disclosed on 19 May 2020. In addition to the EMP, the contractors are also required to follow safety, health, and environmental guidelines for metro projects in India. Mitigation measures for all environmental risks identified for the project have been addressed through design measures and inclusion of appropriate actions in the EMP and the safety, health, and environmental guidelines. The NCRTC held consultations with key project stakeholders throughout EIA preparation and these will be continued during project implementation. A grievance redress mechanism is being implemented under the project to address complaints and grievances.

ADB approved the MFF in an aggregate principal amount of $1,552 million on 18 August 2020. This comprises: (i) $1,049 million from ADB's ordinary capital resources; (ii) $500 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, partially administered by ADB; and (iii) $3 million grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, fully administered by ADB. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which will fund tranche 2 for $500 million, approved the loan on 29 October 2020.

Implementation of tranche 1 is on track. As of 20 October 2021, contracts awarded have totaled $491.8 million, and a total of $113.1 million has been disbursed out of the $500 million from tranche 1.