In a major leap toward India’s high-speed regional transit revolution, the Namo Bharat trains have completed a successful full-length trial run between Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi and Modipuram in Meerut, clocking an operational speed of 160 kmph. This marks a significant milestone for the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which aims to transform urban mobility by connecting Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut through India’s first semi-high-speed regional corridor.
Seamless Run Across All Stations
The trial run covered the entire 82-km stretch of the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut RRTS corridor. The Namo Bharat trains stopped at every station from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram, adhering precisely to the schedule planned by NCRTC. Impressively, the full journey was completed in under one hour, demonstrating the efficiency and readiness of both infrastructure and operations.
The test run also showcased the coordinated functioning of Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro trains, which operated simultaneously on the same tracks without a glitch. This successful synchronization is being hailed as a first-of-its-kind integration of regional and local transit services on shared infrastructure in India.
The advanced European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 3 Hybrid signalling system deployed on the corridor over an LTE backbone—an international first—functioned flawlessly during the trial. Additionally, the platform screen doors (PSDs) installed at every station operated smoothly, further validating the corridor’s safety and technological preparedness for full-scale operations.
Meerut Metro Integration and Corridor Progress
Currently, 55 kilometers of the 82-km corridor are operational, comprising 11 stations already serving commuters. The remaining stretch includes two critical segments: 4.5 km between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, and approximately 23 km between Meerut South and Modipuram in Meerut. Trial runs and finishing work on these segments are progressing rapidly.
The Meerut Metro component, which shares tracks with Namo Bharat trains, is undergoing its own trial runs between Meerut South and Modipuram Depot. This innovative model marks the first time in the country that local metro and regional transit services will run on the same tracks but with differentiated stoppage patterns and service frequencies. The 23-km Meerut Metro section includes 13 stations, comprising 18 km of elevated and 5 km of underground lines.
Officials note that the successful completion of the full-length timetable trial highlights not only the technological maturity of the corridor but also its potential to redefine urban transportation in the National Capital Region. The seamless coordination between long-haul regional trains and local metro services offers a scalable model for other Indian cities exploring integrated transit solutions.
The NCRTC has stated that this trial demonstrates the corridor’s preparedness for full commissioning and passenger operations. Once fully operational, the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut RRTS is expected to reduce travel time drastically, ease congestion on roads, and offer a fast, reliable, and eco-friendly alternative to daily commuters.
