NCRTC has initiated trial runs of the Namo Bharat train between New Ashok Nagar and Sarai Kale Khan, marking a significant milestone in the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor. The train crossed the Yamuna River by a newly constructed 1.3 km bridge, setting the stage for full corridor operations later this year.
Trial Run Initiated:
Signifying a pivotal step, NCRTC began trial operations on April 12, 2025, between New Ashok Nagar and Sarai Kale Khan stations to test system compatibility. The manually-operated Namo Bharat train covered 4.5 km at a low speed as part of initial signalling and subsystem integration checks.
Engineering Marvel-Yamuna River Bridge:
- The train successfully crossed the Yamuna River for the first time via a newly constructed 1.3 km bridge supported by 32 pillars.
- About 626 meters of the bridge spans directly over the river.
- Built parallel to the DND Bridge, it connects to Sarai Kale Khan via viaducts over Barapullah and Ring Road.
Upcoming High-Speed Trials:
Future trials will include high-speed performance and integration checks of platform screen doors (PSDs), OHE systems, and track coordination, ensuring safe and efficient operations on this stretch.
Sarai Kale Khan Station Nears Completion:
As the originating station of the 82 km corridor, Sarai Kale Khan is now equipped with 12 escalators, 4 lifts, and 5 entry/exit points. PSDs are installed, and façade finishing is in progress.
Multi-Modal Connectivity Hub:
Sarai Kale Khan will offer seamless integration with Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, ISBT, and Ring Road Bus Stand, becoming one of the corridor’s busiest hubs.
Corridor Expansion and Timeline:
- Currently, Namo Bharat trains run on a 55 km stretch from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South.
- The ongoing trial aims to operationalise the entire 82 km Delhi–Meerut corridor by the end of this year, reducing travel time to under an hour.
Conclusion:
The commencement of trial runs to Sarai Kale Khan marks a pivotal step toward full-scale operations of India’s first RRTS. With infrastructure milestones achieved and high-speed tests on the horizon, NCRTC is on track to deliver a transformative, high-speed, and commuter-friendly transit system for the Delhi-NCR region.
Source: NCRTC – Press Release | Images Credit: NCRTC
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