NCRTC unveils advance features of Meerut Metro Train with enhanced passenger facilities

Meerut, India (Metro Rail Today): The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has unveiled the cutting-edge features of the Meerut Metro at a ceremony held today at the RRTS Depot in Duhai, Ghaziabad. This new urban Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) is set to significantly improve transportation for Meerut’s residents, offering a blend of speed, reliability, and modern design.

Shalabh Goel, Managing Director of NCRTC, emphasized the transformative impact of the Meerut Metro. "Meerut Metro is set to revolutionize the city's transportation landscape by enhancing connectivity, reducing travel time, and alleviating traffic congestion. This modern transit system will improve overall quality of life and foster economic growth," Goel said.

In line with the "Make in India" initiative, all trainsets for the Meerut Metro are being manufactured domestically. The contract for these trainsets was awarded to Alstom Transport (formerly Bombardier Transportation), responsible for producing the three-car trains and providing maintenance for the next 15 years. The trainsets are being constructed in Savli, Gujarat, with five units delivered to NCRTC.

The Meerut Metro trains will operate at a design speed of 135 km/h and a maximum operational speed of 120 km/h. Constructed from lightweight stainless steel, the trains feature energy-efficient designs, and regenerative braking systems, and are compatible with Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Operations (ATO).

Key Features of the Meerut Metro Trainsets

• Passenger Comfort: The air-conditioned coaches are equipped with luggage racks, grab handles, CCTV cameras, USB charging ports, and dynamic route maps.
• Seating and Capacity: Each three-car trainset offers ergonomic 2x2 transverse and longitudinal seating, with a total capacity of over 700 passengers and 173 seats.
• Safety Enhancements: Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) at all stations will aid in crowd management and safety. Selective door opening buttons help reduce energy consumption.
• Emergency Features: Trains include emergency communication systems, fire extinguishers, alarms, and talk-back systems.
• Accessibility: Reserved seating for women and senior citizens is available in each coach, and both stations and trains are designed to be universally accessible, with facilities for wheelchairs and medical stretchers.

The trainsets’ exterior sports a vibrant color scheme of fluorescent green, blue, and orange, reflecting both technological progress and the aspirations of a ‘New India.’

A notable feature of the Meerut Metro is its integration with the RRTS infrastructure, enabling seamless operations between Meerut South and Modipuram. This integration allows commuters to transfer between the Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat train services at key stations: Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram. This approach has resulted in significant cost savings for infrastructure construction.

The Meerut Metro corridor will span 23 kilometers, with 13 stations along its route—18 kilometers elevated and 5 kilometers underground. The journey across the entire corridor will take approximately 30 minutes. The stations include Meerut South, Partapur, Rithani, Shatabdi Nagar, Brahampuri, Meerut Central, Bhaisali, Begumpul, MES Colony, Daurli, Meerut North, Modipuram, and Modipuram Depot.

Goel assured the public that the project is on track, expressing gratitude to the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh for their support. "The RRTS and Meerut Metro projects are progressing well, and we are confident of completing them on schedule," he stated.

Construction of the Meerut Metro is advancing rapidly. Underground tunnel work is complete, and finishing touches are being applied at underground stations. Track laying is underway on completed tunnels and viaducts, with the elevated section nearly finished up to Modipuram station.

The inauguration of India's first Regional Rapid Transit System (Namo Bharat) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 20, 2023, marked the start of public service for the 17-kilometer Priority Section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot. The 42-kilometer section between Sahibabad and Meerut South is now operational, featuring nine RRTS stations. The full RRTS corridor, along with the Meerut Metro, is expected to be operational by 2025, promising a new era of efficient public transportation for the region.