Track laying works begin in underground section of Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): Track-laying activities have begun in the underground tunnels of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor. The process started with the laying of track slabs on both the up and down platforms of the Anand Vihar station. The next step involves extending the track laying to the tunnels, progressing towards the New Ashok Nagar station. The construction of parallel tunnels from Anand Vihar to New Ashok Nagar has already been completed.

Furthermore, approximately 2 kilometers of track has been laid on the elevated section between New Ashok Nagar RAPIDX station and the underground tunnel ramp of Khichripur. The plan is to lay a total of 5 kilometers of track on this elevated section between Anand Vihar and New Ashok Nagar for both the up and down lines. So far, around 2 kilometers of track have been completed.

The construction of the viaduct from New Ashok Nagar to the Khichripur ramp is already finished, and the ramp that connects the underground tunnel and the elevated section is in its final phase of construction. Once the ramp is completed, the underground section of the Delhi section will be connected to the elevated section.

In a first for the country, advanced technology is being employed to produce high-strength ballastless track slabs. These slabs have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance, resulting in reduced overall maintenance costs. Manufactured using high-quality concrete, these slab tracks measure 4 meters by 2.4 meters. They are transported to the tunnel site on trucks and trailers and then installed inside the tunnel. To reinforce the track in the circular tunnel, a Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) base is constructed.

To minimize vibrations caused by high-speed trains in the tunnels, the NCRTC is implementing a mass-spring system. This system involves applying a layer of first-level concrete on the tunnel surface before laying the slab tracks. A mass-spring sheet is then placed on this layer, followed by the track installation. This greatly reduces vibration inside the tunnel.

Once the slab track is installed, the Signaling System and Traction (OHE) installation will commence. With this track technology, the NCRTC will be able to operate high-speed, high-frequency RAPIDX trains with a design speed of 180 kmph, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers.

The construction work for the Sarai Kale Khan, New Ashok Nagar, and Anand Vihar RAPIDX stations in the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor has entered the next phase. The construction of platforms and concourse levels is currently in an advanced stage and progressing rapidly.

To meet the target of commissioning the entire Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor by 2025, the NCRTC is working tirelessly day and night. Prior to that, a 17-kilometer priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot in Ghaziabad is ready for operations, and RAPIDX services on this section will commence soon.