NCRTC begins trial runs for Namo Bharat
New Delhi, April 13
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) on Saturday night conducted the first trial run of the ‘Namo Bharat’ train on the New Ashok Nagar–Sarai Kale Khan stretch, marking a major milestone in the development of the Delhi–Meerut corridor.
The train was manually operated at minimal speed during this initial phase to test the compatibility of the signalling system with train movements, the NCRTC said in a statement. As the trials progress, detailed assessments would evaluate the train’s coordination with key subsystems, including tracks, platform screen doors (PSDs) and overhead power supply.
High-speed trials would be conducted in the coming days as part of a broader and more rigorous testing process, the agency added.
During the trial run, the train crossed the Yamuna River for the first time and travelled over the Barapullah flyover and the Ring Road before entering Sarai Kale Khan station. The stretch between New Ashok Nagar and Sarai Kale Khan spans approximately 4.5 kilometres.
According to the NCRTC, the link would offer smooth, air-conditioned commuter services from Sarai Kale Khan to Meerut once it becomes operational.
A highlight of the stretch is a newly constructed 1.3-km bridge over the Yamuna River, which the NCRTC described as a significant engineering feat. The bridge runs parallel to the DND Yamuna Bridge and includes 32 pillars. Of its total length, 626 metres lie directly above the river, with the remainder over the floodplain.
The Overhead Equipment (OHE) for this section has already been energised to support upcoming operations.
The Sarai Kale Khan station would serve as the originating terminal for the corridor and is nearing completion. Construction work on the roof and façade is advancing rapidly, while 12 escalators and four lifts connecting the concourse to the platforms have already been installed and are operational. Final touches are being applied to five entry and exit gates, where additional lifts and escalators have been installed for improved accessibility.
The NCRTC is also working to ensure seamless integration of the station with surrounding transport hubs. These include connectivity with the Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Veer Haqiqat Rai Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) and the Ring Road Bus Stand.
‘Namo Bharat’ trains are operating on a 55-km stretch between New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and Meerut South, covering 11 stations. The NCRTC reaffirmed its commitment to making the entire 82-kilometre Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor operational within this year. — TNS
Delhi