Delhi – Meerut RRTS: Trial Runs Extended to Sarai Kale Khan Station

National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) this weekend started trial runs (train testing) on the 5 km New Ashok Nagar – Sarai Kale Khan section of the 82.15 km Delhi – Meerut RapidX (RRTS) project.

This exciting development marks the entry of Alstom‘s semi high-speed trains, nicknamed Namo Bharat, to the line’s southern terminal at Sarai Kale Khan. This station has been structurally built futuristically to serve as the terminal station for Delhi – Dharuhera RRTS and Delhi – Panipat RRTS lines.

NCRTC’s team operated one of their 40 Alstom trains at a low speed of 10 kmph from New Ashok Nagar on the down-line tracks and along the way passed over the 1.35 km long Yamuna River Bridge.

As always, the sole objective of the first run was to check for Schedule of Dimensions (SOD) clearances and observe the train’s interaction with the civil structure to ensure there are no physical obstructions along the way.

The New Ashok Nagar – Sarai Kale Khan section was built by Afcons Infrastructure as part of Package 6. A small part of that package (Ramp – New Ashok Nagar) became operational in January 2025 as part of the 13 km Sahihabad – Anand Vihar – New Ashok Nagar section.

This section’s 25kV AC overhead equipment (OHE) system was installed and energized earlier this week by IRCON International as part of Package 19. A full list of contractors can be viewed here.

Here are some snaps of Sarai Kale Khan Station where station architectural finishing, system installation, PEB roof work, and station entry/exit work is underway.

NCRTC hasn’t announced their game plan, but looking at the progress made so far, I’m inclined to believe the New Ashok Nagar – Sarai Kale Khan section will open in Q3 2025 (August – October).

For more updates, check out the RRTS section or my Home Page! Sign up for free instant email notifications on new posts over here. Like this post? Get early-access to updates and support the site over here.

– TMRG