NCRTC kicks off trial runs for Namo Bharat trains on Sahibabad-New Ashok Nagar route

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) on Saturday commenced trial runs of the Namo Bharat trains on the 12-kilometer stretch between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar RRTS (Regional Rapid Transit System) stations, a crucial step in the development of the high-speed rail corridor. The section, which connects Sahibabad in Uttar Pradesh to New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, includes critical stops at Anand Vihar and New Ashok Nagar, making it a vital link for commuters.

Once fully operational, the corridor will offer commuters a faster, more efficient transit option between New Ashok Nagar and Meerut South, cutting travel time to under 40 minutes, according to an NCRTC statement.

During the initial phase of trials, trains were manually operated to assess compatibility with the civil infrastructure. As testing progresses, NCRTC plans to conduct comprehensive evaluations of the trains’ integrated systems, including tracks, signalling, platform screen doors (PSDs), and overhead power supply. These trials will continue over the next few months, culminating in high-speed tests to ensure the system’s full operational capacity.

Key Transit Hubs

The Anand Vihar RRTS station is expected to become one of the busiest transit hubs in the National Capital Region (NCR), thanks to its strategic location. The station will serve as an interchange with two Delhi Metro lines, a railway station, and two interstate bus terminals (ISBTs) – one in Delhi and another in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh. NCRTC is working to integrate these various transport modes seamlessly, positioning Anand Vihar as a model for multi-modal transit connectivity.

New Ashok Nagar RRTS station, another key stop, is being designed for optimal accessibility. It is located less than 100 meters from the New Ashok Nagar Metro Station, with a footbridge (FOB) being built to connect the two systems, facilitating easy transfers for commuters. Additionally, two more footbridges are being constructed—one connecting Chilla Village and Mayur Vihar Extension, and the other providing direct access to New Ashok Nagar residents near the Ancient Shiv Temple.

Expansion Plans

Currently, Namo Bharat trains operate over a 42-kilometer stretch between Sahibabad and Meerut South, covering nine stations. The new extension to New Ashok Nagar will increase the operational length to 54 kilometers, adding two more stations to the route. Once the entire 82-kilometer Delhi-Meerut corridor is completed by June 2025, passengers will be able to travel between the two cities in less than an hour, transforming the commute for thousands of residents in the region.

Construction on the remaining stretch from New Ashok Nagar to Sarai Kale Khan is nearing completion, with track-laying activities in progress. The project is seen as a game-changer for urban mobility in the NCR, promising faster, more efficient travel for daily commuters and long-distance travelers alike.

The Namo Bharat project is a critical part of the broader efforts to modernize transportation infrastructure in the National Capital Region, easing congestion, reducing pollution, and providing a comfortable, rapid transit system for millions of people.