The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has begun trial runs on the Sahibabad–New Ashok Nagar stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor. This significant step in India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) aims to provide efficient connectivity between Delhi and Meerut, enhancing commuter experience and reducing travel times.
Introduction to the Trial Runs:
NCRTC commences trial runs on the 12 km stretch between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor. This brings Namo Bharat trains into Delhi and connects the Delhi section closer to the existing operational route from Sahibabad to Meerut South.
NCRTC MD’s Presence and Trial Details:
NCRTC MD, Shri Shalabh Goel, along with senior officials, witnessed the trial run. Initial testing involves manual operation to ensure civil structure compatibility. Comprehensive testing, including high-speed runs, will follow, examining subsystems like tracks, signalling, Platform Screen Doors (PSDs), and power systems.
Significance of the 12 km Section:
The new stretch, featuring Anand Vihar and New Ashok Nagar stations, will connect commuters from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South within 40 minutes. Anand Vihar is projected to be a major transit hub, integrating Metro lines, railway stations, and interstate bus terminals (ISBTs).
Integration at New Ashok Nagar:
The New Ashok Nagar RRTS station will be seamlessly connected to the Metro station via a footbridge (FOB). Additional FOBs will link the RRTS station to Chilla Village, Mayur Vihar Extension, and provide access to residents near the Ancient Shiv Temple.
Operational Impact and Network Expansion:
Currently, the Namo Bharat train operates over 42 km from Sahibabad to Meerut South, covering nine stations. The new section will extend the operational route to 54 km with 11 RRTS stations. The Delhi section comprises New Ashok Nagar, Anand Vihar, and Sarai Kale Khan stations, with the remaining stretch nearing completion.
Completion of the Corridor:
Once the entire 82 km corridor is completed by the targeted deadline of June 2025, passengers will be able to travel between Delhi and Meerut in less than an hour.
Conclusion:
The commencement of trial runs between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar marks a significant milestone for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor. With the upcoming extension and seamless integration with various transit modes, this transformative project aims to deliver fast, efficient, and interconnected regional rail travel by 2025.
Source: NCRTC – Press Release | Images Credit: NCRTC
