The Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor is likely to achieve a major breakthrough as the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which is responsible for implementing India’s inaugural Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), prepares to conduct the first trial run of the Namo Bharat train on the Delhi section by late 2024.
Officials from the NCRTC have indicated that the civil construction of the viaduct in Delhi is nearing completion, with ongoing work progressing at the station premises.
Puneet Vats, chief public relations officer, NCRTC, said, “Construction of the RRTS viaduct in the Delhi section of the Delhi-Meerut corridor is almost complete. The trial runs are likely to be started in Delhi by the end of this year. The RRTS stations – Sarai Kale Khan, New Ashok Nagar, and Anand Vihar (underground) in Delhi – have already taken shape and finishing work is underway.”
NCRTC plans to invite the Commission of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) for inspection once the signalling and telecommunication work on the Delhi Section is completed. The CMRS inspection will focus on critical aspects necessary to start operations, including the interaction between infrastructure and rolling stock, track conditions, and signalling systems. Upon receiving clearance from CMRS, NCRTC will proceed to deploy the Namo Bharat Trains on this section for public use.
Delhi Section of RRTS corridor
The Delhi Section of the RRTS spans 9 km through an elevated section and 5 km via an underground section. According to officials, the viaduct construction for the elevated part has been finished up to the Sarai Kale Khan station. Currently, track laying and overhead electrification (OHE) installation are in progress at this location.
At present, The Namo Bharat trains are operational across eight stations covering a 34 km stretch from Sahibabad station to Modi Nagar North station of the 82 km RRTS corridor. As per the officials, the Meerut South RRTS station is almost complete and is expected to be commissioned by the end of the year. This addition will extend the operational length of the RRTS corridor to 42 km.
