India’s First Namo Bharat Corridor Expands: NCRTC Begins Trial Runs On Meerut South To Shatabdi Nagar Section

In a major step towards the full-scale implementation of India's first Namo Bharat corridor between Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has commenced trial runs on an additional 6 km section from Meerut South to Shatabdi Nagar in Meerut from Sunday (9 January) reported ANI.

During the initial phase of testing, the Namo Bharat trains will be operated manually to evaluate the compatibility of the civil structure.

As the trial progresses, NCRTC will conduct comprehensive performance assessments, testing key subsystems such as tracks, signalling systems, Platform Screen Doors (PSDs), and overhead power supply networks.

High-speed trial runs will be conducted in later stages to ensure smooth integration and operational efficiency.

The 6 km stretch will include three stations: Shatabdi Nagar (Namo Bharat) and two Meerut Metro stations, Partapur and Rithani.

Once fully operational, the Namo Bharat trains will reduce travel time between New Ashok Nagar and Shatabdi Nagar to under 45 minutes, significantly improving intercity and intra-city connectivity.

Shatabdi Nagar will be the second Namo Bharat station in Meerut, serving as a major transit hub by facilitating movement towards Delhi and Modipuram. Designed for passenger convenience, the station features two entry-exit gates on either side of the road.

Simultaneously, Meerut Metro trial runs are also underway between Meerut South and Meerut Central. In a first for India’s metro rail network, a local metro system will operate on the same infrastructure as the Namo Bharat corridor.

The Meerut Metro corridor spans 23 km, featuring 18 km of elevated tracks and 5 km of underground sections with 13 stations, including three underground ones.

Both Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro services will be available at Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram stations.

The construction of all Meerut Metro stations is nearing completion, with finishing work in full swing at underground stations Meerut Central, Bhaisali, and Begumpul.

Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) have been installed up to Shatabdi Nagar, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Currently, Namo Bharat train services operate over 55 km, connecting New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South, covering eleven stations.

With the extension of operations to Shatabdi Nagar, the total operational section will increase to 61 km, spanning 12 Namo Bharat stations.

With 12 coaches, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail will be India's first Vande Metro which can accommodate 1,150 seated passengers and 2,058 standing passengers, providing a high-capacity solution for busy urban and suburban routes.