Meerut Metro Trial Begins; To Connect With RRTS Network At Key Station, Reducing Traffic Congestion On Roads To Delhi

The trial of the Meerut Metro, a dedicated intra-city train, commenced on Sunday (12 January) between Meerut South and Meerut Central stations at a nominal speed, according to officials of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).

The metro, aimed at reducing traffic congestion on the Delhi-Meerut road, is expected to alleviate the burden on a route that caters to lakhs of vehicles daily, including commuters travelling to Modi Nagar, Ghaziabad, Delhi, and the Uttarakhand highway.

“Areas close to the Delhi-Meerut road have showrooms, factories, and MSME businesses. Locals, so far, use UPSRTC bus service to reach Delhi, but the operation of the metro services will ease transportation,” said a resident of Delhi Road.

During the trial, the train’s speed ranged from 40 to 135 kmph to assess safety, ride comfort, and system integration. NCRTC Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Puneet Vats stated, “Civil construction work is almost done and the metro will be operational by this year only. It will connect with the Namo Bharat (RRTS) semi-high-speed train network at key RRTS stations.”

The Meerut Metro stations feature a unique design with two platforms and four railway tracks to accommodate both the city’s metro trains and the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail Transit Corridor.

NCRTC officials highlighted that this integrated infrastructure is India’s first of its kind. Four stations will serve as common stops for both services, allowing passengers seamless access to both networks.

The Namo Bharat (Rapid Rail Transit System) will have four stations in Meerut, while the metro will include 13 stations to enhance intercity connectivity.

Vats explained, “We will create a synchronisation plan for trains to run on tracks without interruption. The commencement of metro train operations will significantly ease travel for residents in the neighbouring areas of RRTS stoppages. For instance, a passenger from Partapur Station heading to Delhi can conveniently catch the Namo Bharat train from Meerut South.”

The Meerut Metro will operate along a 23-km route, comprising 10 elevated and three underground kilometres, extending from Meerut South to Modipuram Depot near Muzaffarnagar.