Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System
A Namo Bharat trainset
Overview
Other name(s)Delhi–Meerut RRTS
Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut RRTS
OwnerNational Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)
LocaleNational Capital Region (NCR)
Termini
Stations16
8 (operational)
8 (under construction)
Websitencrtc.in
Service
TypeSemi-high speed rail
Regional transit
Services1
Operator(s)DB RRTS Operations India Private Limited
Depot(s)Duhai
Modipuram
Rolling stockNamo Bharat
Daily ridership12,000[1]
Ridership800,000 (projected)[2]
History
Opened20 October 2023; 5 months ago (2023-10-20) (priority corridor)[3][4]
Last extension6 March 2024; 40 days ago (2024-03-06) (Duhai Depot–Modinagar North)[5]
CompletedJune 2025; 1 year's time (2025-06)[6]
Technical
Line length34 km (21 mi)
(after completion - 82.15 km (51.05 mi))
CharacterElevated, underground and at-grade
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge[7]
Electrification25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead catenary
Operating speed100 km/h (62 mph) (average)
160 km/h (100 mph) (maximum)
SignallingETCS L2/L3 over LTE[8]
Route map


Jangpura AS1
Old NH 19 (Mathura Road)
Sarai Kale Khan
(Barapullah Flyover)
Yamuna River
Mayur Vihar Flyover
Shahdara Canal
New Ashok Nagar
Ghazipur Canal
Anand Vihar
Sahibabad
Indian Railways
Ghaziabad
Guldhar
Duhai
Duhai Depot
Murad Nagar
Modinagar South
Modinagar North
Meerut South
Indian Railways
Shatabdi Nagar
Begumpul
Modipuram
Modipuram Depot
[9]

The Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System, also known as Delhi–Meerut RRTS, Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut RRTS and coloquially Rapid Rail, is an under-construction and partially operational 82.15 km (51.05 mi)-long semi high-speed rail and regional transit corridor that will connect the National Capital Region (NCR) cities of Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut.[10][11] It is the first of the four rapid rail corridors planned under the first phase of the RapidX project managed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). Designed to allow a maximum speed of 180 km/h (110 mph), the distance between Delhi and Meerut will be covered in less than 60 minutes. The project is being executed at a cost of 30,274 crore (US$3.8 billion). It will start from Jangpura as the starting station, run through Sarai Kale Khan, the terminal for the three planned corridors, both in Delhi, and end in Modipuram in Meerut. It will have 16 stations and two depots at Duhai and Modipuram.[12][13][14][15][16]

The foundation stone for the project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2019, and construction began in June 2019.[17][18] The project's first phase, or the 17 km (11 mi)-long priority corridor from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot, was expected to become operational by March 2023.[19] However, due to pending works in some stations, especially in Ghaziabad, it got delayed. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 20 October 2023, and the rest of the entire 82 km (51 mi)-long corridor will be opened by June 2025. The corridor was extended till Modinagar North from Duhai Depot on 6 March 2024, thereby increasing the overall operational length to about 34 km (21 mi).[5] The owner of the corridor and its trains is the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), under whom the construction is also underway, while the operator is DB RRTS Operations India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn (DB).[20] Upon opening, the RRTS became the first regional transit system of India, also consisting the fastest rapid transit train in India, at an operational speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).[3][4]

Background[edit]

Due to increasing population, traffic, congestion, pollution, demand and risk of accidents and mishaps in the National Capital Region (NCR), in 2005, the Planning Commission formed a task force under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) to develop a multi-modal regional transit system for the NCR. This was included in the Integrated Transport Plan for NCR 2032, with special emphasis on Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) connecting regional centres. In 2013, The Governments of India and Delhi decided to create a comprehensive plan for developing a regional railway that will connect Delhi directly with the adjoining cities and regions of the NCR and beyond. Therefore, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) was formed in July 2013, as a joint venture (JV) of the Governments of India and the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The objective of this company is to reduce dependence of commuters on road-based transportation and enhance regional connectivity within the NCR and beyond, and construct, own and operate the Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS). Within Delhi, the RRTS systems will largely run underground, connect to the Delhi Metro and provide commuters with a faster alternative option as a last-mile connectivity to reach their destination. These systems will be similar to other regional transit systems in the world, like London's Crossrail, Paris' RER and Munich's S-Bahn. Initially, eight corridors traversing the NCR of at least 1,000 km (620 mi) were planned to be implemented, which now increased to nine, of which four corridors are being tracked to implement in the coming years, including the Delhi–Meerut, Delhi–Alwar, Delhi–Panipat and Ghaziabad–Jewar corridors. The Delhi–Meerut corridor was chosen to be implemented first, due to high frequency of travellers and traffic between Delhi and Meerut, so, the central, state governments and the NCRTC began studies and cleared its construction.[21]

History[edit]

The feasibility study and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) were approved by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in May 2017. In February 2019, the Government of India approved the project to be implemented, and also approved the funding of 30,274 crore (US$3.8 billion).[22][23] Therefore, On 8 March 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the corridor and the Meerut Metro projects, and construction for both the projects began in June 2019.[24] The metro has been added on the RRTS route in Meerut to provide local connectivity, covering 21 km (13 mi).[25] The NCRTC planned for the 17 km (11 mi)-long priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot to begin regular operations by March 2023.[26] However, due to some works pending in the stations, especially in Ghaziabad, it got delayed, so it was inaugurated and opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 20 October 2023.[4] In July 2022, the NCRTC selected Deutsche Bahn (DB), the national railway company of Germany, to operate and maintain the corridor for 12 years with a further five years' option, as part of the contract. Hence, after the opening of the corridor, the company formed a subsidiary named DB RRTS Operations India Pvt. Ltd., and began to look after the operations from the same day.[27][20] The NCRTC named the provider of the services as RapidX and the trains as Namo Bharat, the fastest rapid transit train of India, at an operational speed of 160 km/h (99 mph), soon after the inauguration of the corridor.[28][29]

In December 2023, after conducting trials runs on another 25 km (16 mi)-long section between Duhai Depot and Meerut South, the NCRTC announced that the section will be likely opened by March 2024, thereby taking the operational length to about 42 km (26 mi).[30] Therefore, the section was opened till Modinagar North on 6 March 2024, thus increasing the operational length to about 34 km (21 mi).[31] Another 16.6 km (10.3 mi)-long section from Sarai Kale Khan to Sahibabad is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.[32] In November 2021, the NCRTC decided to build a station, as the terminating station of the corridor, in Jangpura in the Delhi section. Originally, it was planned to have the stabling yard and operations control centre (OCC) for looking after the three corridors originating from Sarai Kale Khan, but the station plan was created to provide people living in Jangpura and adjoining localities connectivity to the RRTS, through the densely congested Mathura Road. Upon this addition, the number of stations on the corridor increased to 16. The station will be underground, and will be completed and opened after the completion of the rest of the corridor.[16] The rest of the corridor till Modipuram is expected be operational by June 2025.[3]

Following the Galwan Valley skirmish on 15 June 2020, there were calls by the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch for the Government to cancel the bid of a Chinese company involved in constructing and manufacturing the trains of the RRTS.[33][34] Although the Chinese company was not abstained from constructing a tunnel portion of the RRTS, the trains were decided to be built by another company. Hence, a re-bidding was conducted by the NCRTC, and Bombardier Transportation, a former Canadian company in railway manufacturing, now acquired by Alstom, a global French company in railway manufacturing, won the bid to make the trains for the RRTS and the Meerut Metro. The company will supply 210 coaches consisting of 30 trainsets with six coaches each, which could be extended to eight coaches based on demand. The trains are being manufactured in the company's plant in Savli, Gujarat.[35][36]

Route[edit]

Of the entire length, 68.03 km (42.27 mi) will be elevated, 14.12 km (8.77 mi) will be underground and 1.45 km (0.90 mi) will be at-grade for connections to two depots, to be located at Duhai and Modipuram.[12] In the densely populated areas of Delhi and Meerut, the route will be underground including near the Yamuna river at Anand Vihar.[14] The entire route is designed for a maximum speed of 180 km/h (110 mph), with an operating speed of 160 km/h (100 mph).[37][38] The average speed is approximately 100 km/h (62 mph).[38]

The corridor will start from Jangpura and will take its main course from Sarai Kale Khan station, the terminal station for all the planned corridors, in Sarai Kale Khan, both in Delhi. The corridor will pass through areas of Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut; terminating at Modipuram in Meerut.[12][14] The Sarai Kale Khan station will be the biggest of all the stations with three levels, six platforms and six tracks for serving the three corridors to Meerut, Panipat and Alwar. Due to its terminal status and location, it will be a multi-modal transport hub by directly connecting with the adjoining transport systems and facilities in vicinity, like the Sarai Kale Khan - Nizamuddin metro station of the Delhi Metro, the Sarai Kale Khan Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), and the Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, to facilitate smooth and hassle-free movement of commuters. The Anand Vihar station will be also like this due to its location beside the Anand Vihar Terminal railway station, while the Ghaziabad station will act as another hub for interchanging with three more proposed corridors–Ghaziabad–Jewar, Ghaziabad–Khurja and Ghaziabad–Hapur.[14]

Since March 2024, the 34 km (21 mi)-long SahibabadModinagar North section is operational.[31] In January 2024, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) announced that another 25 km (16 mi)-long section from Sahibabad till Meerut South will become operational by March 2024, thereby taking the operational length to about 43 km (27 mi).[30] The 16.60 km (10.31 mi)-long section from Sarai Kale Khan to Sahibabad is expected to become operational by the end of 2024.[32] After the addition of Jangpura as the starting station of the corridor, which is slated to open after the opening of the entire corridor, the number of stations became 16 from the previous plan of 14.[12][16][39]

Construction[edit]

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has divided the civil construction work of the RRTS project into eight packages and 30 packages for all stations, ramps, tunnel sections and technical facilities, consisting of 16 stations and two depots. Of the eight packages, two packages in the Meerut section are also part of the Meerut Metro project. The list of all packages, their contractors and statuses is as follows:[40][41]

Phases Description Opening Status
1 Sahibabad to Duhai Depot October 2023 Completed
2 Duhai Depot to Modinagar North March 2024 completed
3 Sarai Kale Khan to Sahibabad December 2024 Under construction
4 Meerut South to Modipuram Depot June 2025 Under construction

Note: Package-1 and Package-2 are part of the priority section of the RRTS, and Package-7 and Package-8 are part of the Meerut Metro.

Package[a] Description Contractor(s) Status
Pkg-1 Sahibabad Ramp – Ghaziabad Station (elevated, 2 stations) KEC International and China Civil Engineering Construction Corp. (JV) Completed
Pkg-2 Ghaziabad Station – Duhai EPE crossing (elevated, 2 stations) Apco Infratech and China Railway First Group (JV) Completed
Pkg-3 Muradnagar, Modinagar South, Modinagar North, Meerut South, Partapur, Rithani and Shatabdi Nagar (elevated, 7 stations) L&T Heavy Civil Infrastructure Partially completed
Pkg-4 New Ashok Nagar Ramp – Anand Vihar – Sahibabad Ramp (underground, 1 station) Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co. (STEC) Under construction
Pkg-5A Duhai Depot and Workshop (at-grade, 1 depot) Vijay Nirman Co. and KEC International (JV) Completed
Pkg-5B Modipuram Depot and Workshop (at-grade, 1 depot) KSM Bashir Mohammad & Sons Under construction
Pkg-6 Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar (underground and elevated, 2 stations) Afcons Infrastructure Under construction
Pkg-7 Shatabdi Nagar–Brahmapuri Down Ramp–Brahmapuri–Begumpul Down Ramp–MES Colony, Daurli, Meerut North and Modipuram (underground and elevated, 5 stations) L&T Heavy Civil Infrastructure Under construction
Pkg-8 Brahmapuri Down Ramp–Meerut Central, Bhaisali and Begumpul RRTS station–Begumpul Up Ramp (underground, 3 stations) Afcons Infrastructure Under construction
Pkg-9A Multistoried Staff Quarters and Connectivity Sam India Builtwell Under Construction
Pkg-9B Construction of Jangpura stabling yard, Operation control center (OCC) and associated buildings Bidding process underway
Pkg-10 Architectural finishing work for 7 stations (Sahibabad – Shatabdi Nagar) Canon Fasteners Under construction
Pkg-11 Architectural finishing for elevated stations and E&M systems Metcon India Reality and Infrastructure – C.P. Associates (JV)
URC Constructions
Under construction
Pkg-12A Pre–Engineered (PEB) Steel Roof Structure for 4 stations (Sahibabad–Duhai) Sam India Builtwell Completed
Pkg-12B Pre–Engineered (PEB) Steel Roof Structure for 12 stations in 2 lots URC Constructions Under construction
Pkg-13 22,000 MT of Head Hardened Rails ArcelorMittal España Under construction
Pkg-14 Track fastening system for ballastless track Schwihag Under progress
Pkg-15 Standard Gauge 60 kg UIC Turnouts and Scissors Cross over Voestalpine VAE VKN India Pvt. Ltd. Under progress
Pkg-16 Rails for Duhai & Modipuram depots and Jangpura Stabling Yard

• Lot-1: 2000 MT of UIC 60/60E-1/60 KG 1080 Grade Head Hardened Rails
• Lot-2: 4000 MT of 60 KG 880 Grade Rail Class-A

Bidding process underway
Pkg-17 Track-work L&T Transportation and Infrastructure Independent Company Under construction
Pkg-18 Rail Grinding Machine Tender cancelled
Pkg-19 Electrification (receiving substations (RSS) and traction overhead equipment (OHE)) IRCON International Under progress
Pkg-21 Escalators Schindler India Private Ltd. – Schindler (China) Elevator Company Ltd. (JV) Under progress
Pkg-22 Elevators Otis Elevator Company (India) Ltd. – Otis Elevator (China) Company Ltd. (JV) Under progress
Pkg-23 Tunnel Ventilation System (TVS) and Environmental Control System (ECS) Strabag International Partially completed
Pkg-24 Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Signalling and Train Control and Telecommunication Systems Alstom Transport India Under progress
Pkg-25 Design, manufacture, supply, testing and commissioning of 210 standard gauge coaches Bombardier Transportation (now acquired by Alstom) Under progress
Pkg-26A Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) System – Systems Integrator Datamatics Global Services – AEP Ticketing solutions (DM-AEP-26A JV) Under progress
Pkg-26B Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) System – Financial Institution Paytm Payments Bank Ltd. Under progress
Pkg-27 Platform Screen Doors (PSD) System NCRTC–BEL (JV) Under progress
Pkg-M2 Catenary Maintenance Vehicle And Engineering Maintenance Vehicle PTL – Royal JV Completed
Pkg-M5 Fully Automatic CNC under floor wheel lathe machine HYT Engineering Co. Pvt. Ltd. Under progress
Pkg-M7 Construction of Emergency Evacuation System including connecting Foot Over Bridge from track level to road level at various locations Quality Buildcon Pvt. Ltd. Under progress

Facilities[edit]

All stations and trains of the RRTS have similar facilities like that of an airport. They have several facilities to fulfill the requirements of travellers and on-board passengers to ensure smooth and hassle-free experience, like booking counters, ticket and food vending machines, on-board catering and washrooms, check-in kiosks, baggage checking counters, CCTVs, platform screen doors (PSDs), washrooms, retiring rooms, restaurants, retail stores, free WiFi, child care facilities, emergency and medical facilities, facilities for physically challenged passengers like wheelchairs, escalators, elevators and connecting facilities to other existing transport modes like Delhi Metro stations in the Delhi section, inter-state bus terminals (ISBTs) of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) at Anand Vihar, Sahibabad and Shaheed Sthal at Ghaziabad, Indian railway stations, Meerut Metro stations in the Meerut section, cabs, auto-rickshaw stands, parking spaces, etc. All services are provided to passengers on-board the trains and travellers in the stations by RapidX.[28]

In November 2023, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) introduced online booking facilities through which passengers can book tickets online, with a mobile app named 'RRTS Connect'. For the very first time in India, the NCRTC has introduced a "one-tap ticketing" feature to commute in the Namo Bharat trains through the 'RRTS Connect' app. This feature allows commuters to generate a QR code swiftly on this app from anywhere within 300 metres of the RRTS station premise, with just one tap and without bothering about destination, thus saving them time and effort to book tickets in advance. This is also the first time in the world that such a ticketing feature is being provided in any public transport system. In line with the NCRTC’s efforts to ensure a seamless and hassle-free travel experience, this initiative lets commuters travel with spontaneity and allows flexibility in changing destinations during the journey.[42]

Features[edit]

All stations of the RRTS will have similar features like that of an airport. They will have several technologically advanced features to enhance and give passengers a smooth and streamlined experience, as follows:

  • Multi-Modal Transport Integration: All stations will be integrated with various modes of transport like metro stations, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals, cabs and parking spaces to seamlessly facilitate the movement of commuters between the modes through skywalks, elevated walkways and entry/exit points. The RRTS will be the first regional transit system and rapid transit in India to merge and operate parallely along another rapid transit in Meerut.[43]
  • Safety: All stations will be fully surveillanced with CCTVs and security staff. They will also have platform screen doors (PSDs) on platforms for enhanced commuter safety.[44]
  • Sustainability: All stations will use eco-friendly measures to generate electricity, dispose waste and conserve water without affecting the environment, like solar panels on the roofs, adequate dustbins, water and sewage treatment systems, green spaces in the stations' premises and proper cleanliness in the entire premises. The implementation of the RRTS will shift the modal share from the present 37% to 63% in favour of public transport in the region, which will result in drastic reductions in traffic on roads, by reducing an estimated more than 100,000 daily vehicle circulations and 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per day, thereby ensuring sustainability.[45]

Ridership[edit]

The RRTS, after starting operations on the 17 km (11 mi)-long stretch from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot from October 2023, the initial ridership varied between 2,500 and 3,000 passengers per day.[46] As of March 2024, following the extension of the corridor by another 17 km (11 mi) from Duhai Depot to Modinagar North, which brought the total operational length to about 34 km (21 mi), the ridership is around 12,000 passengers per day, which is an increase of about five times than before.[1] It is expected to go up to 800,000 per day after the entire 82.15 km (51.05 mi)-long corridor from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram becomes operational by June 2025.[2]

Stations[edit]

The RRTS corridor will begin from Jangpura and take its course from Sarai Kale Khan, both in Delhi. Then, it will pass through Ghaziabad, from which three more corridors to Jewar, Hapur and Khurja have been planned to connect the nearby towns and cities lying in Uttar Pradesh with the National Capital Region (NCR), cross Meerut simultaneously with the Meerut Metro and end in Modipuram. The corridor will have a total of 16 stations, with 9 more as intermediate stations of the Meerut Metro where the RRTS will not have any stops, except four stations at Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram, where both the RRTS and the Meerut Metro will be integrated together for stops. The corridor has currently 8 stations and one depot functional, and 8 more along with the Meerut Metro and another depot under construction. The stations' exterior designs are inspired by the feather colours of the Peacock, the national bird of India.[47] The following list shows the stations, their integration with existing transport modes and their statuses.[40][39]

Delhi–Meerut RRTS
No. Station Code Station Name Integration Station Layout Platform Level Type Status Opening
English Hindi
1 AS1 Jangpura जंगपुरा None Underground Island Construction works underway June 2025
2 Sarai Kale Khan सराय काले खान Pink Line
Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station
Sarai Kale Khan ISBT
Elevated Side/Island December 2024
3 New Ashok Nagar न्यू अशोक नगर Blue Line Elevated Side
4 Anand Vihar आनंद विहार Blue Line
Pink Line
Anand Vihar Railway Terminal
Anand Vihar ISBT
Underground Island
5 Sahibabad साहिबाबाद None Elevated Side Completed
  • Around 2350 piles, 230 pile caps, 110 piers, and 50 pier caps have been built.
  • Over 260 segments have been cast and 4 spans have been erected.
20 October 2023
6 Ghaziabad ग़ाज़ियाबाद Red Line
Elevated Side/Island
7 Guldhar गुलधर None Elevated Side
8 Duhai दुहाई None Elevated Side
9 Duhai Depot दुहाई डिपो None At-grade Side
10 Murad Nagar मुराद नगर None Elevated Side Partially completed
  • Casting testing of 17 piles for the initial pile load test completed
  • 17 km (11 mi) of road widening work has been completed
  • A total of 370 piles and 28 pile caps have been completed
6 March 2024
11 Modinagar South मोदीनगर दक्षिण None Elevated Side
12 Modinagar North मोदीनगर उत्तर None Elevated Side
13 Meerut South मेरठ दक्षिण Meerut Metro Elevated Side March 2024
14 Shatabdi Nagar शताब्दी नगर Meerut Metro Elevated Side Construction works underway June 2025
15 Begumpul बेगमपुल Meerut Metro Underground Island
16 Modipuram मोदीपुरम Meerut Metro Elevated Side

Rolling stock[edit]

Namo Bharat trainsets parked in Duhai depot

On 1 May 2020, Bombardier Transportation, a former Canadian company in railway manufacturing, now acquired by Alstom, a global French company in railway manufacturing since January 2021,[48] emerged as the lowest bidder among a group of three bidders to supply and maintain 210 coaches for a 15-year period, with a price bid of 2,577 crore (US$320 million). The 210 coaches include 180 coaches consisting of 30 six-car trains for the RRTS, and 30 coaches consisting of 10 three-car trains for the Meerut Metro.[49][50]

In September 2020, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) released the design of the RRTS train, which is inspired by the Lotus Temple. Designed in Hyderabad, the trains have a design speed of 180 km/h (110 mph) and an operational speed of 160 km/h (99 mph), making them the fastest rapid transit trains in India. Each fully air-conditioned, six-car trainset, which could be extended to eight coaches based on demand, consists of one premium coach and one coach reserved for women, and is be able to carry 1,750 passengers.[51][50] It is compatible with a host of train protection systems like automatic train protection (ATP) and automatic train control (ATC) systems, and also has features like regenerative braking.[50]

The trains are the first-ever rapid transit trains in India to have an aerodynamic and sleek design and ergonomically designed seats. They have several facilities and amenities to cater the needs of the passengers, such as on-board catering, ticket scanners, food vending machines, information display systems, hand rests on the sides of the seats, adequate walking space, window blinders, charging points, fire alarms, washrooms, CCTVs, separate seats for and wheelchairs for physically challenged passengers. The trains were named as Namo Bharat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the inauguration of the corridor.[28]

The entire rolling stock is being manufactured in India at Alstom's plant in Savli, Gujarat,[52] and the first trainset was delivered to the NCRTC in May 2022. As of February 2024, of the 30 trains of the RRTS, more than 10 trains have been received and are in operation.[50]

Source of funding[edit]

Integration with Delhi Metro and Meerut Metro[edit]

A train of the Yellow Line of the Delhi Metro

The RRTS, after starting from Jangpura, will be connected to the Delhi Metro's Pink Line at Sarai Kale Khan before taking its course towards Meerut. Then, it will have an interchange with the Blue Line at New Ashok Nagar. It will be again connected to the Pink Line and Blue Line at Anand Vihar. After that, it has an interchange with the Red Line at Ghaziabad through which it currently runs till Modinagar North. It will continue till Meerut South, from where it will have three stations in the Meerut section, with interchanges with the Meerut Metro at Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram, after which it will share its trains with the trains of the Meerut Metro at Modipuram depot. In the metro's first phase, the first line will run parallelly along the RRTS tracks on both sides, and the four of its 13 stations will be integrated with the RRTS, at Modipuram, Begumpul, Shatabdi Nagar and Meerut South, so that commuters can seamlessly connect with the metro and the Namo Bharat trains of the RRTS, providing them the ease of travel within Meerut and for connectivity to Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and adjoining parts of the National Capital Region (NCR). This makes the metro the first metro in India to run along and directly integrate with a regional transit system.[56]

Signalling and train control system[edit]

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has decided to equip the corridor along with the Meerut Metro with ETCS L2 signalling, one of the most advanced signalling systems used in Europe. Tenders for its procurement were invited on 17 April 2020, and Alstom was awarded the contract worth approximately 937 crore (US$120 million) in January 2021. All operations and trains are controlled by RapidX in its operations control centre (OCC) at Duhai Depot. After the completion of the second OCC at Jangpura, the RapidX will have two OCCs to look after the operations.[57][58]

Nokia partnered with Alstom to implement the 4.9G/LTE private wireless network to support the ETCS L2 signalling. This is the first time in the world that an LTE network is being used along with ETCS L2 signalling.[59]

Future plans[edit]

On 26 January 2024, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) drafted a plan to extend the RRTS corridor from its terminating point in Meerut to Haridwar through Muzaffarnagar, in a meeting of the National Capital Region (NCR) planning board. The officials of the NCRTC stated that if the plan is executed, then the travel time from Delhi to Haridwar would decrease to only 2 hours from the current 3-4 hours by road and 5-6 hours by rail. The officials decided to conduct a physical survey of the proposed section to assess the feasibility and execution of the project. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared to further analyse the practicality of the corridor.[60][61]

Environmental protection and sustainability measures[edit]

During construction, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has managed the pace of the work on the RRTS, which has become among the fastest infrastructure projects being executed in India, while simultaneously taking extensive pollution control measures in and around the construction sites. A dedicated team of experts appointed by the NCRTC are regularly monitoring the effectiveness of these measures and step-up the activities wherever necessary. Construction is being done within barricaded zones of adequate height and thorough cleanliness is being maintained on these sites. Anti-smog guns and water sprinklers are deployed to settle the dust generated from the works. All the raw materials and debris are kept covered with loose, thin sheets properly at their marked sites. The NCRTC is also repairing and revamping the roads beneath the viaduct sections after completing works to ensure enhanced flow of traffic without interruptions.

Other measures include the installation of 25,000 solar panels on the roofs of all stations and depots to generate 11 MW of electricity through solar power. These installations are expected to generate approximately 666,000 units of solar energy per year over its estimated lifespan of 25 years. The panels will together reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 615 tonnes per year, contributing to a remarkable reduction of 15,375 tonnes over its lifetime. Out of the 25,000 solar panels, it is estimated that 16 of the project’s 26 stations with the Meerut Metro can get approximately 1,100 panels on their rooftops, while the remaining nine smaller stations can get approximately 400 panels. The solar panels will together account for 70% of the total energy requirement. Being a rail-based transit system and reduced friction owing to steel-to-steel rolling contact, the corridor will have one-fifth fossil fuel consumption compared to road vehicles. To sustain water consumption and promote conservation, water recycling systems, rainwater harvesting facilities and sewage treatment systems are all being set up in and near the stations' and depots' premises. These sustainability measures will lead to drastic reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, by an estimated 250,000 tonnes per year, and also save water.[62][63][64]

In popular culture[edit]

  • In January 2024, the NCRTC announced that it has allowed to rent out the RRTS' stations and trains to be featured in shooting films, creating TV documentaries and commercials on a short-term basis, owing to the growing number of over-the-top (OTT) media services in India, or online platforms of entertainment streaming, in recent years, like Netflix, Hotstar, etc. and their increased use of public transport as backdrops in films. The RRTS stations offer well-lit and abundant spaces with vibrant colors and designs, while the Namo Bharat trains of the corridor boast sleek designs and passenger-centric amenities. For featuring the project, the NCRTC has fixed the charge as ₹ 2-3 lakh per hour, depending on the area selected for shooting. Other than shooting, the stations and the trains can also be booked for other purposes, like hosting events even at night hours.[67]

Status updates[edit]

  • May 2017: The Government of Uttar Pradesh approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project.[22][68]
  • Feb 2019: The Central Government approved 30,274 crore (US$3.8 billion) for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project.[23]
  • Mar 2019: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for this project and the Meerut Metro project.[69]
  • Jun 2019: Pillar construction work started on both the RRTS and the Meerut Metro by Larsen & Toubro.[70]
  • May 2020: Bombardier Transportation, now acquired by Alstom, won the contract for manufacturing 210 trains for the RRTS and the Meerut Metro.[36]
  • Oct 2020: Civil construction work on about 50 km (31 mi) between Sahibabad and Shatabdi Nagar was in progress.[71]
  • Feb 2021: The construction of the Anand Vihar station of the RRTS just beside the Anand Vihar Terminal railway station began.[72]
  • Apr 2021: Track laying started for the Ghaziabad section of the corridor.[73]
  • Jun 2021: The first elevated section pier (namely for the Sarai Kale Khan section) was constructed.[74]
  • Jun 2021: Construction work on the first part of the underground portion of began in Anand Vihar.[75]
  • Jul 2021: The piers were completed for the 24 km (15 mi) elevated stretch.[76]
  • Jul 2021: Alstom began manufacturing the 210 trains for the RRTS and the Meerut Metro. These are being manufactured in Alstom's plant in Savli, Gujarat.[77]
  • Aug 2021: It was announced that 650 hectares of land between Guldhar and Duhai RRTS stations will be developed as a commercial, residential and industrial hub.[78]
  • Aug 2021: Construction work on the second underground section began in Meerut.[79]
  • Sep 2021: The installation of the overhead equipment (OHE) lines began.
  • Oct 2021: Tenders was issued for the construction of the Modipuram depot.[80]
  • Dec 2021: Datamatics Global Services – AEP Ticketing Solutions (JV) was awarded a 227 crore (US$28 million) contract for the automated fare collection (AFC) system.[81]
  • Jan 2022: Nokia and Alstom deployed a private wireless network system based on LTE/4.9G with support for ETCS L2 signalling.[82]
  • Mar 2022: The NCRTC unveiled the first images of the RRTS trains, which would be used for operations after the completion of the construction of the priority corridor.[83]
  • Mar 2022: The tunneling work for the underground section of the RRTS in Meerut began.[84]
  • Mar 2022: Paytm Payments Bank won the bid for becoming the financial institution responsible for the fare system, beating the State Bank of India (SBI).[85]
  • Apr 2022: Roughly 25% of the corridor was completed.[86]
  • May 2022: Alstom manufactured and delivered the first train to the NCRTC from Savli, Gujarat.[87]
  • Aug 2022: First trial of the first trainset had been successfully completed.[88]
  • Jan 2023: The deadline for the completion of both the RRTS and the Meerut Metro projects was set to June 2025.[89]
  • Feb 2023: The trial runs for the trains, including high-speed tests, had been completed, and now there were a total of six trains. The 17-km priority corridor from Sahibabad to Duhai was at its final stages of work, and was confirmed to be opened by mid-June 2023. The second stretch from Duhai to Meerut South would be opened by the first quarter of 2024, and the entire corridor would become operational by March 2025.[90][91][92]
  • Aug 2023: The entire tunneling work of the RRTS was fully completed.[93]
  • Oct 2023: The priority corridor from Sahibabad to Duhai was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 20 October 2023.[3]
  • Dec 2023: The trial run on the 25-km stretch from Duhai to Meerut South was conducted.[94]
  • Feb 2024: The NCRTC announced that the 25-km stretch from Duhai to Meerut South will become operational by March 2024, thereby increasing the operational length to 42 km. The RRTS and the Meerut Metro projects are both on track to be completed by June 2025.[95]
  • Mar 2024: Of the 25 km-long stretch from Duhai Depot to Meerut South, the 17-km stretch till Modinagar North was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6 March 2024, thus bringing the current operational length to 34 km. The Meerut South station is expected to be completed by the end of March 2024.[96]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Package-20 is not listed due to no information.[40]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Rapid rail ridership now 12k, up 5 times in a week". The Times of India. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  2. ^ a b "RAPIDX – India's first indigenous S-HSR all set to Begin Operations on Priority Section". Metro Rail News. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d Anabd, Jatin (20 October 2023). "PM Modi flags off RRTS: What is this mass transport system, how it can benefit NCR". The Indian Express. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "Delhi-Meerut RRTS construction work on schedule, likely to be done June 2025". livemint.com. 4 April 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  5. ^ a b Jha, Medha (6 March 2024). "PM Modi Virtually Unveils New Stretch Of Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor: Details". Zee News. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  6. ^ Agarwal, Priyangi (21 January 2023). "Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor on track for June 2025 completion". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  7. ^ Feasibility Report: RRTS Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut (PDF) (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 November 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  8. ^ "ETCS2 Signalling system for RRTS Corridor". National Capital Region Transport Corporation. 21 January 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  9. ^ "Delhi – Meerut RRTS – Information, Route Map, Fares, Tenders & Updates". The Metro Rail Guy. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  10. ^ "Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS: List of stations, ticket fare prices, and all you need to know". The Indian Express. 6 March 2024. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  11. ^ "Rapid Rail: How RRTS can transform the way Indians travel between cities". The Economic Times. 20 October 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  12. ^ a b c d "NCRTC | Delhi – Meerut Corridor". ncrtc.in. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  13. ^ "Delhi – Meerut RRTS – Information, Route Map, Fares, Tenders & Updates". The Metro Rail Guy. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  14. ^ a b c d Staff Reporter. "Delhi-Meerut rapid rail project gets green light". NDTV. Retrieved 20 February 2019.
  15. ^ "India's first rapid rail to open next week, with women driving RAPIDX". Construction World. 12 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  16. ^ a b c Chitlangia, Risha (1 November 2021). "Jangpura newest link in Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System". The Hindustan Times. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  17. ^ Prasad, Nikeeta (8 March 2019). "Delhi to Meerut in 60 mins with 160 kmph rapid rail! PM Modi lays foundation stone; 10 facts you must know". The Financial Express. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  18. ^ "RAPIDX – India's first indigenous S-HSR all set to Begin Operations on Priority Section". Metro Rail News. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  19. ^ Jha, Abhijay (10 March 2023). "Delhi-Meerut RRTS priority stretch to be ready by March?". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  20. ^ a b "DB subsidiary starts operations on India's first regional rapid transit system". Deutsche Bahn (Press release). 20 October 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
  21. ^ "Delhi-NCR RRTS – Information, Route Maps, Fares, Tenders & Updates". The Metro Rail Guy. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  22. ^ a b "NCRTC | Uttar Pradesh Government Approves Delhi-Meerut RRTS". ncrtc.in. Archived from the original on 12 June 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  23. ^ a b "Govt approves Rs 30,274 cr Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transport System". 19 February 2019.
  24. ^ Shah, Narendra (8 March 2019). "Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone of country's first RRTS". Metro Rail News. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  25. ^ "India's first rapid rail unveiled, promises Delhi to Meerut in 55 minutes". The Indian Express. 16 March 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
  26. ^ "Delhi-Meerut RRTS: Good news! 17-km long Sahibabad-Duhai stretch to be operational by June 2023; details". The Financial Express. 31 July 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  27. ^ "NCRTC signs pact with Deutsche Bank for operation, maintenance of RRTS corridor". The Times of India. 2 July 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  28. ^ a b c Alam, Majid (20 October 2023). "PM Modi Launches Delhi-Meerut RRTS: How is RAPIDX Different from Metro & Its Unique Features – EXPLAINED". News18. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
  29. ^ "India's first regional rapid train to be named 'Namo Bharat', to be inaugurated by PM Modi on Friday". The Indian Express. 21 January 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  30. ^ a b "42-Km RRTS Stretch Till Meerut (South) to Be Ready By March". Times Now. 1 January 2024. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  31. ^ a b "India Prime Minister Modi inaugurates 17-kilometre extension of Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor". WION. 6 March 2024. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  32. ^ a b "Delhi-Meerut RRTS to become operational this year: Report". The Economic Times. 12 February 2024. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  33. ^ Arnimesh, Shanker (15 June 2020). "RSS affiliate wants Modi govt to cancel Chinese firm's bid for Delhi-Meerut RRTS project". ThePrint. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
  34. ^ Shrivastava, Rahul (16 June 2020). "Chinese firm bids lowest for Delhi-Meerut project, RSS affiliate asks Modi govt to scrap company's bid". India Today. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
  35. ^ "Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project: Chinese firm to build stretch of India's first Regional Rapid Rail Transit corridor". The Financial Express. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  36. ^ a b "Bombardier wins contract to supply 210 commuter and intracity cars for the Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System". Bombardier. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  37. ^ "NCRTC approves Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor". India Today. 6 December 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  38. ^ a b "RRTS – Background". ncrtc.in. Archived from the original on 5 June 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  39. ^ a b "Interactive Map – NCRTC". Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  40. ^ a b c "Delhi-Meerut RRTS RAPIDX". The Metro Rail Guy. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  41. ^ "Meerut Metro – Information, Route Map, Fares, Tenders & Updates". The Metro Rail Guy. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  42. ^ "NCRTC introduces "One-Tap Ticket" booking through "RRTS Connect" Mobile App for the convenience of the commuters". Rail Analysis India. 17 November 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  43. ^ Singh, Neha (14 March 2020). "NCRTC to integrate Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor with other modes of transport". Metro Rail News. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  44. ^ "All RRTS stations to have platform screen doors". The Times of India. 11 August 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  45. ^ Dash, Dipak K. (22 January 2019). "Delhi Meerut Rapid Rail News: RRTS may take 1 lakh vehicles off roads". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  46. ^ "Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor: Almost 3,000 passengers travel in Ghaziabad's Namo Bharat train daily in first 3 months". The Financial Express. 19 February 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  47. ^ Mondal, Anish (29 April 2023). "Special attention to every aspect! Peacock feathers inspire hues of RAPIDX stations – Details inside". The Times of India. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
  48. ^ "A transformational step for Alstom: completion of the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation". Alstom Press releases and news. 29 January 2021. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  49. ^ "Bombardier bags rolling stock deal for Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor". The Economic Times. 7 May 2020. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  50. ^ a b c d Sinha, S (8 May 2022). "First RRTS trainset handed over to NCRTC". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  51. ^ "India's first RRTS train with design speed of 180 kmph unveiled; to have business class". The Times of India. 25 September 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  52. ^ "French MNC Alstom begins making regional commuter transit trains in Gujarat". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  53. ^ "New Development Bank approves $500 million loan for RRTS rail project". Hindustan Times. 1 October 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  54. ^ Saluja, Nishtha. "ADB approves $1 billion loan for construction of Delhi-Meerut RRTS". The Economic Times. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  55. ^ "Delhi-Meerut high-speed corridor gets Rs 100 crore fillip". The Times of India. 24 September 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  56. ^ "First Look Of Meerut Metro Trains Unveiled As NCRTC Gets Delivery Of Trainsets". Zee News. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  57. ^ "NCRTC Invites Bids for Delhi - Meerut RRTS' ETCS Signalling System". The Metro Rail Guy. 28 April 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  58. ^ "Alstom Will Deploy India's First ETCS L3 System, Bags 937 Cr Delhi-Meerut RRTS Signalling Contract". RailPost. 20 January 2021. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  59. ^ "Nokia tests mission-critical voice and data on 4.9G private wireless network for NCRTC". ET Telecom. 4 August 2022. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  60. ^ Bhandari, Shashwat (26 January 2024). "Delhi-Meerut rapid rail corridor likely to be extended to Muzaffarnagar, Haridwar, say reports". India TV. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  61. ^ "NCRTC likely to extend Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor to Muzaffarnagar and Haridwar". Metro Rail Today. 27 January 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  62. ^ Shah, Narendra (18 January 2022). "NCRTC completes Jangpura RRTS Station underpass construction work". The Times of India. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
  63. ^ Khandelwal, Peeyush (9 July 2023). "25,000 solar panels to be installled on RRTS route to generate power for project". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  64. ^ "RRTS to cover 70 per cent of total energy requirement via solar power: NCRTC". ET Energyworld. 2 March 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  65. ^ Thaivalappil, Nishad (24 November 2023). "Engineering Marvels: RRTS; All You Need To Know About India's Most Ambitious Infrastructure Project". News18. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  66. ^ "'Engineering Marvels: RRTS' - A documentary by History TV18". YouTube. 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  67. ^ "Now, RRTS Trains & Stations Available For Shooting, Events". The Times of India. 7 January 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  68. ^ Agarwal, Kabir (6 May 2017). "Delhi-Meerut rapid rail priority for govt: CM Yogi". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  69. ^ "PM Narendra Modi laid down the foundation stone for the project". 8 March 2019. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
  70. ^ "दिल्ली से मेरठ तक का सफर 60 मिनट में, रोजाना हजारों यात्रियों को होगा फायदा". Dainik Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  71. ^ Jha, Abhijay (8 July 2020). "Work on Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor gathers pace". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  72. ^ Agarwal, Anshu (9 February 2021). "Construction work for Anand Vihar station of 82km Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor begins". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  73. ^ "RRTS project: Laying of tracks for 17 km (11 mi) priority section begins in Ghaziabad". Hindustan Times. 20 July 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  74. ^ "Delhi-Meerut RRTS: Work in progress! First pier of elevated section constructed - The Financial Express". www.financialexpress.com. 4 June 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  75. ^ "Underground construction work commenced for Delhi-Meerut RRTS project". Urban Transport News. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  76. ^ "Piers completed in 24-km elevated stretch of Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor". The Hindu. 10 July 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  77. ^ "Alstom begins manufacturing of commuter & transit trains for RRTS project". 17 July 2021. Archived from the original on 20 September 2021.
  78. ^ Jha, Abhijay (25 August 2021). "Ghaziabad: 650 hectares along Regional Rapid Rail Transit System corridor to be developed as special area development zone | Ghaziabad News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  79. ^ Rai, Sandeep (29 August 2021). "Construction work on critical phase of underground RRTS station in Meerut begins". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  80. ^ "Tender issued for construction of Modipuram depot for Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project". Urban Transport News. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
  81. ^ "Datamatics JV Awarded Delhi - Meerut RRTS' AFC Contract". The Metro Rail Guy. 7 January 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  82. ^ "Nokia and Alstom to deploy private wireless system in Delhi-Meerut RRTS Train Network". Urban Transport News. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  83. ^ Nandi, Tamal (16 March 2022). "Coaches of India's first rapid rail unveiled, to be used in Delhi-Meerut RRTS". livemint.com. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  84. ^ Rai, Sandeep (18 March 2022). "Tunnelling Work For Delhi-meerut Rrts Corridor Begins In Meerut | Meerut News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  85. ^ "Paytm Awarded Delhi - Meerut RRTS' AFC Contract Package 26B". The Metro Rail Guy. 10 April 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  86. ^ "Delhi-Meerut RRTS on track, 24.8% completed so far: Ministry". The Hindu. 5 April 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  87. ^ Livemint (8 May 2022). "Delhi-Meerut RRTS: Fastest trainset in country built under 'Make in India'". mint. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  88. ^ "Delhi-Meerut Rapid Train Hits Track, Trial Btw Sahibabad-Duhai Successful | Watch Video Here". India.com. 8 August 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  89. ^ Agarwal, Priyangi (21 January 2023). "Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor on track for June 2025 completion". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  90. ^ "RRTS trials to south Meerut by year-end". The Times of India. 4 February 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  91. ^ "NCRTC Conducts Successful Trial Run Of India's First High-Speed RRTS Train From Duhai To Ghaziabad". India.com. 4 January 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  92. ^ "Ghaziabad: Four RRTS stations on 17km priority line to be ready by mid-March". Hindustan Times. 25 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  93. ^ Mufti, Ifrah (30 August 2023). "Tunnelling of entire Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor completed". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  94. ^ "RRTS News: Trial Run Commences Between Duhai-Meerut South Section". The Times of India. 30 December 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  95. ^ "Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor: Final viaduct span linking Meerut South to Shatabdi Nagar Station installed on NaMo Bharat, informs NCRTC". The Financial Express. 20 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  96. ^ "PM Modi virtually inaugurates new section of Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor". ET Infra. 6 March 2024. Retrieved 6 March 2024.

External links[edit]