Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor To Launch Soon After Successful Namo Bharat Trial

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has completed a successful timetable trial of the Namo Bharat trains across the full 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. During the run, trains travelled from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram in under one hour, halting at all designated stations, while maintaining a maximum operational speed of 160 kmph.

According to NCRTC officials, the trial adhered strictly to the planned timetable, validating system efficiency and preparedness for full-scale operations. All technological components, including the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 3 Hybrid signalling supported by an LTE backbone, and Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) at all stations, functioned flawlessly.

“This marks an operational milestone for India’s first RRTS corridor,” said an NCRTC spokesperson. “With this successful trial, the corridor is moving closer to full commissioning.”

Meerut Metro, RRTS On Shared Tracks

In a first-of-its-kind move in India, Meerut Metro trains also operated on the same tracks during the trial run. The 23-km Meerut Metro stretch, which includes 13 stations, with 18 km elevated and 5 km underground, has been built on the same infrastructure as Namo Bharat. Officials highlighted the significance of this integration, showcasing how a local metro system and a regional rapid network can function jointly on shared infrastructure.

Currently, 55 km of the corridor with 11 stations is open to the public. Final works are ongoing for the two remaining stretches: a 4.5-km Delhi segment (between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar) and the final 23-km Meerut segment (between Meerut South and Modipuram).

Once fully commissioned, the RRTS is expected to transform regional commuting, drastically reducing travel time and easing congestion across the National Capital Region.

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