The daily grind of city life just got a splash of creativity at the Sahibabad Namo Bharat station. As part of an engaging new initiative by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), commuters traveling along the Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor can now experience live sketching sessions and a curated art exhibition—right inside the station.
With artists capturing real-time moments and passengers pausing to take in strokes of color and movement, the station is fast becoming more than just a transit hub—it’s turning into a space of cultural connection.
Where Art Imitates Life—Live Sketching for Commuters
If you’ve recently passed through the Sahibabad station, you may have noticed artists with sketchpads poised—studying faces, framing scenes, and bringing moments to life through quick, fluid lines.
This live sketching project is led by members of the Delhi Street Art (DSA) group. Their goal? To bring spontaneous art into public infrastructure, adding a touch of creativity to otherwise rushed routines.
The daily grind of city life just got a splash of creativity at the Sahibabad Namo Bharat station. As part of an engaging new initiative by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), commuters traveling along the Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor can now experience live sketching sessions and a curated art exhibition—right inside the station.
With artists capturing real-time moments and passengers pausing to take in strokes of color and movement, the station is fast becoming more than just a transit hub—it’s turning into a space of cultural connection.
Where Art Imitates Life—Live Sketching for Commuters
If you’ve recently passed through the Sahibabad station, you may have noticed artists with sketchpads poised—studying faces, framing scenes, and bringing moments to life through quick, fluid lines.
This live sketching project is led by members of the Delhi Street Art (DSA) group. Their goal? To bring spontaneous art into public infrastructure, adding a touch of creativity to otherwise rushed routines.
“It’s a joy to bring art into public spaces like this,” said Rishabh Taneja, a participating artist. “People see their everyday journeys from a different perspective when art enters the scene.”
Passengers have been seen stopping mid-transit to get their portraits sketched—or simply to observe the process in action. Some take photos, others strike up brief conversations with the artists, creating a rare moment of connection in an otherwise fast-moving space.
A Gallery on the Go: Inside the Namo Bharat Art Space
Alongside live sketching, a temporary art gallery installation has been set up in a designated area of the station. The pieces explore themes of:
- Urban movement
- Civic life and infrastructure
- Indian heritage and symbolism
- Transport as a cultural experience
Commuters can walk through this mini-gallery on their way to the platform. The concept is similar to global urban art interventions seen in metro systems in cities like Tokyo, London, and New York.
Why This Matters: Humanizing Public Transport in India
For years, transport infrastructure in India has been purely functional. But the Namo Bharat corridor is showing how commuter-first design can blend seamlessly with cultural enrichment.
According to NCRTC officials, this initiative is part of a broader mandate to make stations civic and cultural assets, not just concrete transfer points.
This aligns with international urban development trends where mass transit is seen as a space for social and artistic engagement.
“Art inside stations softens the concrete,” said an NCRTC spokesperson. “It also creates a sense of ownership and positivity in public spaces.”
What’s Next: More Art at More Stations?
Sources suggest that the initiative is a pilot, with plans to roll out similar art-based interactions at other stations across the Namo Bharat corridor. Future events may include:
- Rotating student exhibitions from local art colleges
- Community mural projects on platform walls
- Cultural workshops hosted during off-peak hours
For daily commuters, it’s a welcome change. For artists, it’s visibility and outreach. For urban planners, it’s a model of how infrastructure can become inclusive, interactive, and inspiring.
How to Catch It
If you’re commuting between Delhi and Ghaziabad, drop by Sahibabad station and keep an eye out for the artists. Most live sketching sessions take place during morning and evening peak hours. The gallery is open during station hours and free for all passengers.
Passengers have been seen stopping mid-transit to get their portraits sketched—or simply to observe the process in action. Some take photos, others strike up brief conversations with the artists, creating a rare moment of connection in an otherwise fast-moving space.
A Gallery on the Go: Inside the Namo Bharat Art Space
Alongside live sketching, a temporary art gallery installation has been set up in a designated area of the station. The pieces explore themes of:
- Urban movement
- Civic life and infrastructure
- Indian heritage and symbolism
- Transport as a cultural experience
Commuters can walk through this mini-gallery on their way to the platform. The concept is similar to global urban art interventions seen in metro systems in cities like Tokyo, London, and New York.
Why This Matters: Humanizing Public Transport in India
For years, transport infrastructure in India has been purely functional. But the Namo Bharat corridor is showing how commuter-first design can blend seamlessly with cultural enrichment.
According to NCRTC officials, this initiative is part of a broader mandate to make stations civic and cultural assets, not just concrete transfer points.
This aligns with international urban development trends where mass transit is seen as a space for social and artistic engagement.
“Art inside stations softens the concrete,” said an NCRTC spokesperson. “It also creates a sense of ownership and positivity in public spaces.”
What’s Next: More Art at More Stations?
Sources suggest that the initiative is a pilot, with plans to roll out similar art-based interactions at other stations across the Namo Bharat corridor. Future events may include:
- Rotating student exhibitions from local art colleges
- Community mural projects on platform walls
- Cultural workshops hosted during off-peak hours
For daily commuters, it’s a welcome change. For artists, it’s visibility and outreach. For urban planners, it’s a model of how infrastructure can become inclusive, interactive, and inspiring.
How to Catch It
If you’re commuting between Delhi and Ghaziabad, drop by Sahibabad station and keep an eye out for the artists. Most live sketching sessions take place during morning and evening peak hours. The gallery is open during station hours and free for all passengers.
FAQs
What is the live sketching initiative at Namo Bharat station?
It’s a cultural initiative by NCRTC where professional artists sketch live portraits of commuters at Sahibabad station as part of a public art engagement project.
Is the sketching session open to all commuters?
Yes, the sketching sessions are open to everyone passing through the station. Commuters can watch, interact with the artists, or even request a portrait sketch.
Who are the artists behind this initiative?
The artists are affiliated with the Delhi Street Art (DSA) community, known for their work in public art and mural projects across Delhi-NCR.
What kind of art is displayed in the station gallery?
The exhibition features works that reflect themes of urban life, public transport, Indian motifs, and everyday city experiences. It’s designed to be immersive and relatable.
How long will the art initiative continue at Sahibabad station?
While the current phase is active for a limited time, NCRTC has indicated that similar programs may rotate across other stations in the corridor in the coming months.
Is there any cost to attend or participate?
No, the experience is completely free for all Namo Bharat commuters. It’s part of the station’s public service and cultural enrichment strategy.
Are there any similar events planned for other stations?
Yes, according to NCRTC plans, similar exhibitions and artist-led engagements are expected to take place at other major RRTS stations soon.