National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) announced a landmark achievement on Sunday, June 22, 2025: the successful completion of a full-length timetable trial run for the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) across its entire 82-kilometer stretch.
This paves the way for the imminent operational launch of trains connecting Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut in under 60 minutes.
{inAds}
Current Operational Status
Presently, Namo Bharat trains are operational on a 55-kilometer section of the corridor. This operational segment links New Ashok Nagar station in Delhi with Meerut South station in Meerut, serving a total of 11 stations. This initial phase has been serving commuters since the first 17-km stretch opened in October 2023, with sections gradually added over time.
Historic Full-Length Trial Run
The recent milestone involved a comprehensive trial simulating actual operational conditions along the entire designed route from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram. Crucially, the Namo Bharat train completed this 82-km journey in less than 60 minutes, meeting the ambitious schedule target set by the NCRTC. During the trial, trains operated seamlessly at their maximum designed speed of 160 kilometers per hour and made scheduled stops at every station en route.
{inAds}
Technological Triumph
The trial served as a rigorous test for the corridor's advanced technological backbone. The ETCS Level 3 Hybrid signalling system, deployed over an LTE (Long-Term Evolution) communication network, performed flawlessly. This system, noted as a global first for this specific implementation, ensures high safety and efficiency standards for high-speed operations. Additionally, the Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) installed at every station functioned perfectly, enhancing passenger safety and operational reliability. The NCRTC emphasized that this successful run underscores the full readiness of the system and represents a significant stride towards commencing full-scale commercial operations on the entire corridor.
Final Stretch Program
While the full corridor trial is complete, finishing works and trial runs are actively progressing on the two remaining sub-sections:
1. Delhi Section: The 4.5-km segment connecting Sarai Kale Khan to the currently operational starting point at New Ashok Nagar.
2. Meerut Extension: The approximately 23-km section linking the current operational terminus at Meerut South to the final destination at Modipuram.
The NCRTC stated that this successful trial marks a crucial advancement towards the full commissioning of the entire 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, expected soon.
Integrated Meerut Metro Trials
Simultaneously, to enhance urban mobility within Meerut city, trial runs for the Meerut Metro are also underway on the stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram Depot. This 23-km metro line, comprising 13 stations (18 km elevated and 5 km underground), represents a significant innovation. The NCRTC highlighted that this is the first time in India that local metro services will operate on the same infrastructure as the high-speed regional Namo Bharat trains. During the recent trials, Meerut Metro trains ran concurrently with Namo Bharat trains on the shared section, with all systems performing perfectly.
{inAds}
Significance of the Namo Bharat Corridor
The Delhi-Meerut RRTS, branded as the Namo Bharat corridor, is India's first regional rapid transit system. It is designed to provide high-speed, high-frequency commuter rail services, drastically reducing travel time between Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. The successful full-corridor trial brings the vision of a sub-60-minute commute connecting the heart of Delhi to deep within Meerut closer to reality, promising a major boost to regional connectivity and economic integration in the National Capital Region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the significance of the recent trial run on the Delhi-Meerut RRTS?
The trial successfully tested the entire 82-km route from Sarai Kale Khan (Delhi) to Modipuram (Meerut) under operational conditions. The train completed the journey in under 60 minutes, proving the system's readiness for full-scale operations and meeting the target travel time.
2. How fast do the Namo Bharat trains operate?
The Namo Bharat trains are designed to operate at a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour (kmph), which they achieved seamlessly during the full corridor trial run.
3. What is currently operational on the Delhi-Meerut RRTS?
As of now, a 55-kilometer section is operational, running between New Ashok Nagar station in Delhi and Meerut South station in Meerut, covering 11 stations.
4. What is unique about the Meerut Metro mentioned in the report?
The Meerut Metro is unique because it will operate on the same infrastructure (specifically the stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram) as the Namo Bharat regional trains. This is the first such integration of local metro services with regional rapid transit on shared tracks in India.
5. What are the next steps before the entire 82-km corridor opens?
The NCRTC is rapidly conducting trial runs and finishing works on the two remaining sub-sections: the 4.5-km link from Sarai Kale Khan to New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, and the 23-km extension from Meerut South to Modipuram in Meerut. The successful full trial signifies these final stages are progressing towards full commissioning.
