Delhi-Meerut RRTS Set for July Completion.

Commuters between Delhi and Meerut are on the cusp of experiencing a dramatically faster journey, with the entire 82-kilometer Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) corridor expected to become fully operational by the end of June or early July. This landmark achievement by the NCR Transport Corporation (NCRTC) promises to reduce travel time significantly, rivaling even intra-city metro commutes like Gurgaon to Connaught Place.

Currently, 55 kilometers of the corridor, stretching from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South, are already functional. Officials from NCRTC confirmed that trial runs on the remaining sections, including the integrated Meerut Metro, are set to conclude this month. A crucial clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is anticipated within the next couple of weeks, paving the way for India's first semi-high-speed mass transit corridor to commence full commercial operations.

"Technically speaking, rapid rail trains are already running on the entire 82km corridor," an NCRTC official stated. "While the 55km section from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South is operational, trial runs are progressing on the remaining stretch - 4.5km between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, and 23km between Meerut South and Modipuram. These sections are ready for an inspection by the CMRS."

The official added that work on the 27km Meerut Metro corridor, which is seamlessly integrated into the RRTS, is also nearing completion. "We are planning to present the complete stretch, including the Meerut Metro, for inauguration soon. We're on track to meet the June deadline. The final commissioning date, however, will rest with the ministry and higher authorities," the official noted.

The project has seen systematic implementation since Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid its foundation stone in March 2019, taking just over six years to reach full commercial readiness. Operational phases have steadily expanded, starting with the 17km priority section from Sahibabad to Duhai in October 2023. This was followed by a 17km stretch from Duhai to Modinagar North in March 2023, an 8km section from Modinagar North to Meerut South, and a 13km stretch between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar in January 2024, culminating in the current 55km operational length. This expanding network has already facilitated over one crore passenger ridership.

Beyond Meerut South, the corridor includes three more stations: Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram. The Begumpul underground station, strategically located in Meerut's market area, is a significant engineering feat, measuring 246 meters in length, 24.5 meters in width, and reaching a depth of 22 meters. This station will uniquely serve both rapid rail and local metro services. Commercial services on the corridor will terminate at Modipuram station, followed by the Modipuram Depot.

"This marks the first instance in India where local metro services will share infrastructure with rapid rail trains," the official highlighted. The 23km Meerut Metro corridor comprises 18km of elevated and 5km of underground sections, featuring 13 stations, three of which are underground. The full operationalization of this corridor is expected to significantly ease commuting, enhance connectivity, and stimulate economic activity across the National Capital Region.