Another 14 km stretch of Delhi-Meerut RRTS likely to be operational by 2024 end

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The National Capital Region Transportation Corporation (NCRCTC) is in a sprint against the clock, eyeing the ambitious goal of making a 14 km stretch of the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) in Delhi operational by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

The 14 km RRTS stretch in Delhi is strategically divided into elevated and underground alignments. While the track laying work on the elevated section is progressing at a brisk pace, the underground portion within Delhi remains a work in progress.

The Delhi stretch of RRTS features three crucial stations – Sarai Kale Khan, New Ashok Nagar, and Anand Vihar. Additionally, there is a stabling yard located in Jangpura, which the NCRCTC intends to transform into a fully functional station, adding to the connectivity and accessibility of the network.

Meanwhile, the stretch connecting Ghaziabad to Meerut is set to become operational by March. Currently undergoing vigorous trial runs, the NCRCTC aims to seek approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) once the trains achieve a design speed of 180 Kmph, a milestone expected to be reached in the coming month.

According to the Ministry of State (MoS) statement, the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS project has incurred an expenditure of Rs 18,160.81 crore, accounting for almost 59.9% of the total funds allocated for the corridor. This underscores the scale and financial commitment involved in this extensive transit infrastructure project.

The Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) is a transformative mass rapid transit network covering a distance of 82.15 kilometers, linking Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan with Ghaziabad and Meerut. The ongoing construction of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is a monumental undertaking with an estimated total expenditure of nearly Rs 30,000 crore.

In a milestone moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the initial phase of the priority corridor, encompassing 17 kilometers and featuring five stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and Duhai Depot.

On October 20th, Prime Minister Modi unveiled India’s first RapidX train, named Namo Bharat, from Sahibabad Station. These cutting-edge trains are engineered to achieve a maximum speed of 180 km/h, offering passengers affordable ticket prices ranging from Rs 20 to Rs 50 for standard coaches and Rs 50 to Rs 100 for premium coaches.

The RRTS initiative extends beyond the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, encompassing semi-high-speed rail corridors connecting Delhi to Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Alwar in Rajasthan, and Panipat in Haryana. This marks a substantial leap towards enhancing regional connectivity and fostering rapid transit options for commuters.

As NCRCTC races against time to meet the 2024-end deadline for the operationalization of the 14 km RRTS stretch in Delhi, the transformative impact of the Rapid Rail Transit System on the region's transportation landscape becomes increasingly evident. The convergence of cutting-edge technology, financial commitment, and strategic planning signifies a new era in mass rapid transit, positioning Delhi as a hub for modern and efficient transportation.