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The project, led by the NCR Transport Corporation (NCRTC), is nearing completion, with trial runs already underway on the remaining sections of the corridor.
The 27km Meerut Metro line, which is part of this corridor, is also nearing readiness. (Photo: Alstom)
In a major development for commuters in the National Capital Region (NCR), the entire 82km Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) connecting Delhi to Meerut is expected to become fully operational by the end of June or early July.
This will make the travel time between the two cities as quick as a metro ride between Gurgaon and Connaught Place.
The project, led by the NCR Transport Corporation (NCRTC), is nearing completion, with trial runs already underway on the remaining sections of the corridor, as per TOI.
What’s Working and What’s Coming
- 55km of the corridor — from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South — is already in service.
- Trial runs are ongoing on the rest of the line:
- 4.5km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi
- 23km stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram
Approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is expected soon, which will clear the way for the launch of the entire 82km corridor, including the Meerut Metro stretch.
According to NCRTC officials: “Technically, trains are already running across the full corridor. The non-functional stretch is ready for inspection, and we’re aiming for a full inauguration soon.”
The Meerut Metro, part of this route, covers 27 km and will also be launched together with the rest of the corridor.
From Foundation to Full Operation in Six Years
The project was kickstarted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2019. Here’s how it progressed:
- Oct 2023: First 17 km section (Sahibabad to Duhai) opened
- March 2023: 17 km stretch (Duhai to Modinagar North) became operational
- Later in 2023: 8 km stretch (Modinagar North to Meerut South) launched
- Jan 2024: Final 13 km section (Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar) completed
This brought the total operational length to 55 km so far.
With more sections opening gradually, the corridor has already recorded over 1 crore riders, marking a major milestone in India’s public transport evolution.
The final stretch will include three additional stations in Meerut:
- Shatabdi Nagar
- Begumpul
- Modipuram
Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: ‘Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.’ This motto c…Read More
Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: ‘Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.’ This motto c… Read More
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