Alstom has celebrated the commencement of commercial operations of the new balance stretch of the Namo Bharat corridor – India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) connecting Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut and the Meerut Metro, an urban Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) for the city of Meerut.
The inauguration of the balance section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor, which utilises Alstom’s own India-made trainsets and advanced ETCS Hybrid Level 3 over LTE 4G signalling solutions, also includes sections connecting New Ashok Nagar to Sarai Kale Khan and Meerut South to Modipuram along with the Meerut Metro section.
The Meerut Metro trains will be India’s fastest urban metro, with design speed of 135 kmph and maximum operational speed of 120 kmph
© Alstom
The milestone, spearheaded by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), marks a significant step in the overall enhancement of urban mobility in the National Capital Region and intra-city commute for the residents of Meerut, additionally making Meerut Metro India’s first metro system to be powered by the European Train Control System (ETCS) Hybrid Level 3 signalling over Long-Term Evolution (LTE) 4G.
Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India said:
NCRTC created a breakthrough with RRTS and now Meerut Metro and we are proud to be their preferred partner in this journey.
The opening of the complete corridor for RRTS and commencement of revenue service for Meerut Metro will unlock inter and intra city growth opportunities through this advanced urban rail network. It will be our endeavour to support NCRTC in this feat in every possible way.
All Alstom trains in use on the Regional Rapid Transit System were designed, manufactured and shipped in India – keeping the order in line with the government’s ‘Make-in-India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat ambition. Additionally, all propulsion systems and electricals were manufactured at Alstom’s facility in Maneja (Gujarat).
The new MRTS trains utilise Alstom’s existing Adessia commuter design and offer a number of passenger-centric amenities, including overhead luggage racks, information screens within the coaches, and USB sockets near the seats, as well as wheelchair spaces for individuals with disabilities and stretcher space for emergency medical transfers.
Alstom was originally awarded the contract in 2020, and was tasked with a scope of work including the design, manufacturing, and delivery of 180 RRTS train cars (30 trainsets) and 30 MRTS train cars (10 trainsets) based on the Adessia commuter platform; the design, supply and installation of signalling, train control and telecommunication system, platform screen door & LTE radio communication systems and the provision of comprehensive maintenance services for 15 years.