Namo Bharat: Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor Marks Significant Progress in 2023

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) celebrated a year of remarkable achievements in 2023, making substantial progress in the development of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. The inauguration of India's first RRTS and the operationalization of the Namo Bharat train marked a historic moment on October 20, 2023. This achievement, spearheaded by the Honorable Prime Minister, marked the opening of the 17-kilometer-long Priority Section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot for public use.

Key Highlights of NCRTC's Achievements in 2023

1. Operations Commenced on Priority Section

NCRTC's journey in 2023 began with the initiation of trial runs on the Priority Section in January. Rigorous testing of various sub-systems, including rolling stock, ETCS-2 signaling, ballastless track, and overhead equipment, ensured their safe and compliant implementation. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) granted approval for Namo Bharat train services in June, making the Priority Section operational with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour. The section became the country's first operational railway system covering its entire length.

2. Tunneling Work Completion in the Underground Section

A critical milestone was achieved when the tunnelling work for the entire Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor was successfully completed. The corridor features four underground stations: Anand Vihar in Delhi, and Meerut Central, Bhainsali, and Begumpul in Meerut. The use of seven state-of-the-art Sudarshan Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) facilitated the construction of parallel tunnels across the entire 12-kilometer-long underground section in less than 18 months. Over 80,000 pre-cast segments were utilized for tunnel construction, showcasing high-precision engineering.

3. Adoption of Sustainable Practices

NCRTC demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by establishing state-of-the-art Solar Power Plants at RRTS Depot in Duhai and Sahibabad and Duhai Depot RRTS Station. The Sahibabad station's solar plant, with a capacity of 729 kW, is equipped with 1620 high-efficiency solar panels, making it a 'Green Station' with carbon-negative status. The total installed capacity of the solar plant at Duhai Depot Station is 108 kW. Together, these solar power plants are expected to reduce approximately 1600 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, contributing to a greener environment.

4. Recognition and Awards

The innovative technologies and strategic decisions implemented in the RRTS project received widespread recognition in 2023. The project received accolades such as the TAI Tunneling Awards 2023 for 'Environmental Initiatives of Tunneling' and the CNBC-AWAAZ Real Estate Awards 2023 for 'Special Commendation for Innovation and Excellence in Urban Transportation.' Additionally, NCRTC was honored with a Platinum rating at the Green Building Congress 2023 by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for the Ghaziabad Receiving Substation (RSS) and Sahibabad RRTS Station.

5. Skill Development Initiatives

NCRTC actively contributed to community development through various skill development training programs. Over 1500 farmers in 52 villages were trained in modern agricultural techniques, emphasizing sustainable practices. Women were provided self-defense training, empowering them with essential skills. The initiative extends to training taxi drivers, gender sensitization for drivers and conductors, and skill development for employment, promoting inclusivity and positive social impact.

6. Expansion Beyond Priority Section

Following the successful operation of the Priority Section, trial runs have commenced in the section beyond, with the Namo Bharat train traveling up to Modi Nagar South. The 25 km stretch between Duhai and Meerut South RRTS station is the next section slated for public operationalization. Construction activities, track laying, and other essential works are progressing efficiently.

7. Construction Progress in Delhi and Meerut

Construction of the RRTS corridor gained momentum in Delhi and Meerut. Approximately 7 kilometers of the nearly 9-kilometer-long viaduct in the Delhi segment have been completed. Notable achievements include the successful construction of a bridge over the Yamuna River and special steel spans in Kondli to cross the Gazipur Drain. Tunneling work in the underground section of Delhi is complete, and stations are taking shape. In Meerut, the corridor successfully crossed the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, and the construction of various stations, including Partapur, Rithani, Shatabdi Nagar, Bramhapuri, Meerut Central, Bhaisali, and Begumpul, is progressing rapidly.

Towards Future Progress

NCRTC aims to operationalize the entire Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor by June 2025. The consistent and rapid progress in construction works, sustainable initiatives, and community development programs indicate that this ambitious goal is well within reach. NCRTC continues to be a trailblazer in transforming urban mobility, fostering sustainability, and contributing to the development of an efficient and advanced transit system for the National Capital Region (NCR).