On Saturday night, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) marked a key milestone in the development of the Delhi–Meerut corridor by conducting the first trial run of the ‘Namo Bharat’ train on the New Ashok Nagar–Sarai Kale Khan stretch.

The initial trial saw the train being manually operated at low speed, primarily to test the compatibility of the signalling system with the train's movement, according to an NCRTC statement. As the trials progress, further detailed evaluations will assess the train's integration with essential subsystems, including the tracks, platform screen doors (PSDs), and overhead power supply.

High-speed trials are set to follow in the coming days as part of a more comprehensive testing process, the agency added.

During the trial, the train made its debut crossing of the Yamuna River, traversing the Barapullah flyover and Ring Road before reaching Sarai Kale Khan station. The entire stretch between New Ashok Nagar and Sarai Kale Khan spans around 4.5 kilometres.

Once operational, this link will provide seamless, air-conditioned commuter services between Sarai Kale Khan and Meerut, NCRTC officials confirmed.

A standout feature of the stretch is the newly constructed 1.3-kilometre bridge over the Yamuna River, a remarkable engineering achievement. This bridge, which runs parallel to the DND Yamuna Bridge, stands on 32 pillars, with 626 metres of its length directly above the river and the rest over the floodplain.

The Overhead Equipment (OHE) for this section has already been energised, paving the way for upcoming operations.

The Sarai Kale Khan station, which will serve as the originating terminal for the corridor, is nearing completion. Construction work on the roof and façade is progressing swiftly, and 12 escalators and four lifts linking the concourse to the platforms are already in place and operational. Final touches are being applied to five entry and exit gates, where additional lifts and escalators have been added to enhance accessibility.

The NCRTC is also focused on integrating the station seamlessly with nearby transport hubs, including the Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Veer Haqiqat Rai Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), and the Ring Road Bus Stand.

The ‘Namo Bharat’ trains are currently running along a 55-kilometre stretch between New Ashok Nagar and Meerut South, covering 11 stations. NCRTC has reaffirmed its commitment to making the entire 82-kilometre Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor operational later this year.