Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Progress: 80 Km Done, 2 Km Stretch In Meerut Nears Completion

About 80 kilometres of the total 82-kilometre Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor project are complete.

Officials stated that only a two-kilometre stretch in Meerut remaining for viaduct construction. This includes 68 kilometre of elevated and 12 kilometre of underground sections.

India's first Regional Rail Service, called RRTS, offers a first-of-its-kind rail-based commuter service for regional transit in the National Capital Region. The 82.15-km-long corridor system from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh is the country's first RRTS.

It is poised to revolutionise travel in the national capital region, significantly reducing travel time between Delhi and Meerut to under an hour.

The RRTS corridor features Namo Bharat trains, currently operational on the initial 34 kilometre from Sahibabad to Modi Nagar North. The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is providing regular updates on the construction status of each station.

Namo Bharat, the rapid rail operate at a maximum speed of 160 kmph, average speed of 90 kmph with all designated stops, making them semi-high speed train sets.

Phase 1 of the project, connecting Sahibabad to Duhai Depot, was completed in October 2023.

Phase 2, from Duhai Depot to Meerut South, is expected to achieve partial completion by March 2024. Phase 3, which extends from Sarai Kale Khan to Sahibabad, is targeted for completion by December 2024.

Phase 4, covering Meerut South to Modipuram Depot, is currently under construction and slated for operation by June 2025.

Sarai Kale Khan station will feature Delhi’s largest parking facility, accommodating 275 cars and 900 two-wheelers. In Delhi, the 14-kilometre segment includes 9 kilometres of elevated and 5 kilometre of underground sections, with Anand Vihar Station integrating with the Delhi Metro’s Blue and Pink Lines, reports Financial Express.

The Meerut South station, completed and ready for Namo Bharat services, has three platforms and the largest parking area with a capacity for 300 cars and 900 two-wheelers. The segment from Meerut South to Modipuram Depot, under construction, will connect 11 stations and is expected to be operational by June 2025.