Synopsis
The Namo Bharat train has crossed the Yamuna River for the first time during trial runs, reaching Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi. This marks a significant step towards the station's inauguration in June, enhancing connectivity in the region.Key Takeaways
- Namo Bharat train completes first trial crossing of Yamuna.
- Reaches Sarai Kale Khan multi-modal hub.
- Significant for Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor.
- Integration of transport modes planned at the hub.
- Full operation aimed for 2025.
New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) The Namo Bharat train originating from Meerut has successfully crossed the Yamuna River for the first time, reaching the multi-modal transit hub at Sarai Kale Khan in southeast Delhi during trial runs held over the weekend. This significant milestone is a prelude to the station’s official inauguration set for June, as confirmed by an official on Monday.
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) conducted the initial trials over a 4.5 km stretch from New Ashok Nagar to Sarai Kale Khan, marking the inaugural entry of the Namo Bharat train into the largest station of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor.
During these trial runs, the Namo Bharat train traversed a 1.3 km bridge over the river, navigating over the Ring Road and Barapullah flyover before arriving at the Sarai Kale Khan station, which is scheduled to be inaugurated in June.
The complete 82-km corridor of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is anticipated to become operational this year. Currently, train services are available on a 55-km segment between New Ashok Nagar and Meerut South.
The ongoing trial runs involved manual control of the engine and wagons, testing them on the track at low speeds to evaluate the overhead power supply system, signaling system, and platform screen doors.
The RRTS will feature four stations in Delhi, with approximately 3.8 km of the corridor located underground out of the 14 km in the national capital. There’s also a proposed 2-km extension from Sarai Kale Khan to Jangpura.
At the Sarai Kale Khan station, installation of the roof over the platforms is currently underway, with work on four elevators, twelve escalators, and five exits also approaching completion, according to an official.
The launch of Namo Bharat service from Sarai Kale Khan station will signify the integration of four transportation modes at the hub, encompassing Indian Railways, Delhi Metro, and Inter-State Bus services. City public transport buses will also operate within the complex.
The RRTS station at Sarai Kale Khan measures 215 meters in length and 50 meters in width. To ensure seamless connectivity among the four transport modes, a network of pedestrian bridges is planned to connect the Namo Bharat station with Northern Railway’s Hazrat Nizamuddin station, the Metro station, and the Inter-State Bus Terminal.
The 84-km RRTS corridor from Delhi to Meerut is being developed at a cost of Rs 30,274 crore to cut down travel time between Jangpura in Delhi and Modipuram in Meerut to just one hour.
According to studies by the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB), the Namo Bharat RRTS between Delhi and Meerut is projected to accommodate an estimated daily ridership of 800,000. The corridor will comprise 25 stations, with 68 km elevated, 13 km underground, and 3 km at-grade. Full operation from Delhi to Modipuram is expected to be achieved by 2025.
