After commencement of the 17 km priority section of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) that covers Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, a trial run of the Namo Bharat train was conducted from Duhai to Modi Nagar South on Sunday.  The train departed from Duhai station, reached Murad Nagar station, and then continued to cover the distance of about 12 km to Modi Nagar South.This trial run is a major step towards the operations in this segment.

“To start the trial run process, the electric OHE (Over Head Equipment) was charged with a capacity of 25 KV from Murad Nagar Receiving Sub Station to Modi Nagar South. Following this, the Namo Bharat train ran in this section. It departed from Duhai station, reached Murad Nagar station, and then continued to cover the distance of about 12 km to Modi Nagar South,” a statement from the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) said.

 At present, the Namo Bharat trains are undergoing a trial run to test the track and traction. Initially, the train is being operated manually under the Train Control Management System. The train covered the distance from Muradnagar station to Modi Nagar South at a minimal speed. Later, it was brought back to Duhai while slightly increasing its speed.

The 25 km stretch between Duhai and Meerut South RRTS station is the next section of the RRTS corridor to be operationalized for the public after the Priority Section. This section has a total of 4 stations, namely Murad Nagar, Modi Nagar North, Modi Nagar South, and Meerut South. In June, the construction of the viaduct up to Meerut South was completed with the installation of the last span. Since then, various construction works like track laying, OHE installation, signalling and telecom, and electrical have been progressing at pace in this section.

At present, track laying work is almost complete, and other works are in their final stages. Additionally, Muradnagar RSS is ready to supply electricity from Murad Nagar to Meerut South. Soon, OHE will be charged between Modi Nagar North and Meerut South stations, and trial runs will be conducted in this section by running trains up to Meerut South station.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had flagged off the Namo Bharat train in the 17 km long priority section between Sahibabad to Duhai Depot on October 20, 2023. Now, NCRTC is gearing up to operationalize the section ahead of it.