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India’s rail transport landscape has entered a new era with the Namo Bharat train clocking a top speed of 160 kilometres per hour on the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. This achievement makes it the fastest train currently operating in the country, surpassing previous semi-high-speed services like Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat, which have been capped at 130 kmph since mid-2024.
The milestone was reached on the 55-kilometre operational stretch between New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and Meerut South in Uttar Pradesh. Once the full 82.15-kilometre corridor is commissioned, the Namo Bharat service will connect Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut in under one hour, even with intermediate stops.
Key Highlights From The Speed Record And Corridor Expansion
- Namo Bharat train reaches 160 kmph, becoming India’s fastest operational train
- Covers 55 km between Delhi and Meerut South in under an hour
- Operates every 15 minutes with 30 trainsets, each comprising six coaches
- Full corridor spans 82.15 km with 16 stations, expected to be commissioned soon
- Designed in Hyderabad and manufactured at Alstom’s Savli facility in Gujarat
- Equipped with Automatic Train Protection, Control, and Operations systems
- Integrated with Meerut Metro for seamless last-mile connectivity
Technology And Design Innovations
The Namo Bharat trainsets are engineered for aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability. Designed in Hyderabad and built at Alstom’s Savli plant, the rolling stock features advanced automation systems including Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Automatic Train Control (ATC), and Automatic Train Operations (ATO). These technologies ensure safe acceleration, braking, and real-time monitoring, enabling consistent performance at high speeds.
The train reaches its peak speed between stations spaced five to eight kilometres apart, allowing for optimal acceleration windows. The infrastructure has been tailored to support these speeds, with dedicated tracks and signal systems designed for rapid transit.
Corridor Overview And Operational Scope
The Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor is India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System, implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a joint venture between the Government of India and the state governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
The corridor includes 16 stations and is designed to serve as a high-speed link between urban and suburban zones. The initial 17-kilometre priority section was launched in October 2023, and the current 55-kilometre stretch has already seen over 1.5 crore passengers since phased operations began.
Once fully operational, the corridor will significantly reduce travel time, ease road congestion, and offer a reliable alternative to long-distance commuting in the National Capital Region.
Integration With Meerut Metro And Passenger Experience
The RRTS corridor is being integrated with the upcoming Meerut Metro, which spans 23 kilometres and includes 13 stations. This shared infrastructure will allow passengers to transfer seamlessly between regional and urban transit systems, enhancing last-mile connectivity and reducing travel friction.
Trains currently run every 15 minutes, offering frequent service for daily commuters. The interiors are designed for comfort and efficiency, with spacious seating, digital information panels, and climate control systems.
Economic And Environmental Impact
The Namo Bharat corridor is expected to transform regional mobility by reducing travel time between Delhi and Meerut to under one hour. This will boost economic activity, improve access to jobs and education, and reduce vehicular emissions by shifting commuters from road to rail.
The project also sets a precedent for future RRTS corridors planned across India, including routes connecting Delhi to Alwar and Panipat. These corridors aim to create a new category of transport that bridges the gap between traditional rail and metro systems.
Forward Outlook
With its record-breaking speed and advanced infrastructure, the Namo Bharat train marks a pivotal moment in India’s transit evolution. As the full corridor nears completion, stakeholders will monitor operational efficiency, passenger adoption, and integration with broader mobility networks. The success of this corridor could redefine regional travel and set new benchmarks for high-speed rail in India.
Sources: India Times, Siasat, CNBC TV18
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