L&T completes casting of Final Segment for Package 7 of Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor

This achievement comes just days after the completion of the final span for the 9.46 km main-line of Package 7, which runs through the northern parts of Meerut. The depot-line, which connects the mainline to the depot, will be essential for housing the semi-high-speed Alstom trains that will operate on the RRTS and local metro services.

Milestone for the Modipuram Depot

The Modipuram Depot, under construction as part of Package 5B by KSM Bashir Mohammad & Sons, will serve as the operational hub for the RRTS. The depot has been designed to accommodate a total of 20 x 9-coach Alstom semi-high-speed train sets for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS, along with 36 x 3-coach Alstom MRTS train sets for the Meerut Metro services. These services will cover a 20 km route between Partapur and Modipuram, ensuring smooth, high-speed connectivity for commuters in the region.

The completion of the final precast box segments marks a crucial step toward the overall completion of Package 7 and brings the Modipuram Depot closer to becoming fully operational, an essential milestone for the broader Delhi-Meerut RRTS project.

Package 7: An Overview

The Delhi-Meerut RRTS Package 7 is a vital component of the 82.15 km RRTS route, which aims to provide high-speed, high-capacity connectivity between Delhi and Meerut. L&T was awarded the construction contract for Package 7 by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) in November 2020. The scope of work includes the construction of two key sections:

• Reach 1: A 2.35 km stretch connecting Shatabdi Nagar to Brahmapuri Ramp.
• Reach 2: A 7.11 km stretch extending north from Begumpul Ramp to the Modipuram Depot, passing through four key stations: MES Colony, Daurli, Meerut North, and Modipuram.

L&T completed the launching works for Reach-1 in February 2024, which connects Shatabdi Nagar to the Brahmapuri Ramp, paving the way for the further construction of the elevated viaduct.

Innovative Construction and Precast Segment Production

The casting for the 6290 precast box segments, each measuring 10.5 meters in width, took place at L&T's casting yard in Shatabdi Nagar. Along with the box segments, the company also produced 203 I-girders, 414 precast beams, and U-shell portal beams, all of which are integral components of the elevated viaducts in Reach-2.

These prefabricated elements were crucial for speeding up the construction process, allowing for the rapid assembly of the RRTS viaduct, which will eventually support the high-speed trains operating along the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor. L&T’s efficient production and use of these precast components underscore the company’s capabilities in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects within set timelines.

The Future of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS

The Delhi-Meerut RRTS, once completed, will significantly reduce travel time between the National Capital Region (NCR) and Meerut, offering a fast, reliable, and sustainable alternative to traditional road transport. The RRTS is part of India’s ambitious push towards improving public transport infrastructure and reducing traffic congestion in major urban corridors.

Meanwhile, trial runs for the RRTS project have already begun on the Sahibabad–Anand Vihar–New Ashok Nagar section, covering a 13.3 km stretch. These trials mark the entry of the Alstom semi-high-speed trains—nicknamed Namo Bharat—into Delhi’s city limits. These trials are seen as an important step toward the full-scale operationalization of the RRTS.

Operational Timeline and Future Phases

The NCRTC has not yet announced the exact operational timeline for the project. However, there is speculation about a two-phase opening of the Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar section, expected to be operational by Q2 2025, with the final stretch, New Ashok Nagar to Sarai Kale Khan, potentially opening by mid-Q3 2025.

The completion of the final casting of precast segments for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Package 7 represents a critical step in the development of this transformative infrastructure project. With L&T continuing to make substantial progress on the construction of key viaducts and the Modipuram Depot, the Delhi-Meerut RRTS is on track to revolutionize regional transport, offering a faster, more sustainable option for commuters in the National Capital Region. As the project nears its completion, it promises to play a vital role in easing traffic congestion and providing a modern, high-speed rail alternative for the people of Delhi and Meerut.