On April 14, 2025, a major milestone was achieved for the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) with the commencement of trial runs on the final stretch of the corridor. The Namo Bharat train, which operates as part of this high-speed rail network, began trial operations between two critical stations in Delhi: New Ashok Nagar and Sarai Kale Khan.

The 82-km Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor, once completed, will dramatically reduce commute times between Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, offering a more efficient and comfortable alternative to the existing transportation options. The corridor is set to revolutionise travel in the National Capital Region (NCR) by providing semi-high-speed connectivity in the form of air-conditioned, regional rapid transit.

During the first trial run on Saturday night, the Namo Bharat train was driven manually at a controlled speed. This test run focused on assessing the compatibility of signalling systems along the newly energised stretch. The NCRTC (National Capital Region Transport Corporation) highlighted that this test was also the first instance of the Namo Bharat train crossing the Yamuna River, as it passed over the Barapullah flyover and the Ring Road before entering Sarai Kale Khan station.

The Delhi-Meerut RRTS is the first of its kind in India, with the goal of offering a semi-high-speed regional rail service that will drastically reduce travel times. When fully operational, the system is expected to cut travel time between Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi and Modipuram in Meerut to under an hour, providing an effective, high-speed connection for thousands of daily commuters.

The full route of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS will consist of 25 stations across the 82 km stretch, connecting various key locations in the NCR, including Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. Below is the full list of stations that will be served by this high-speed transit system:

List of Stations on the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor:

Delhi:

• Sarai Kale Khan

• New Ashok Nagar

• Anand Vihar

Ghaziabad:

• Sahibabad

• Ghaziabad

• Guldhar

• Duhai

• Duhai Depot

Meerut:

• Muradnagar

• Modi Nagar South

• Modi Nagar North

• Meerut South

• Meerut (with local RRTS stations)

• Partapur

• Rithani

• Shatabdi Nagar

• Brahmapuri

• Meerut Central

• Bhaisali

• Begumpul

• MES Colony

• Daurli

• Meerut North

• Modipuram

The NCRTC has indicated that high-speed trial runs are set to follow in the coming weeks, focusing on evaluating key systems that will be critical for the full operation of the RRTS. These systems include platform screen doors (PSDs), overhead electrification, and track alignment.

Sarai Kale Khan is being developed as a multimodal hub, providing convenient access to the Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, ISBT, and other bus services, ensuring a seamless inter-modal transportation system for commuters.

Currently, Namo Bharat trains operate on a 55-km stretch between Meerut South and New Ashok Nagar, covering 11 stations. However, with the latest trials marking the completion of the final stretch, the full corridor is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

Upon completion, the Delhi-Meerut RRTS will become one of India’s most advanced transportation projects, promising a faster, cleaner, and more efficient way to travel across the NCR. With civil and system works nearing completion at key stations like Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar, the final phase of testing is now underway, ensuring the system’s readiness for public use.

The introduction of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS will address the growing demand for high-speed, efficient public transport in one of the most densely populated and rapidly developing regions of the country. It will significantly ease congestion on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and National Highway 24, which are currently some of the most traffic-heavy routes in the NCR.

In conclusion, the trial runs on the final stretch of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS signal a significant step forward in the region's quest to build a more integrated and sustainable transportation network. As more stations open and trial runs continue, the full-scale operation of the corridor will be a key milestone for the future of transportation in India’s National Capital Region.

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