Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro to Soon Operate on same Infrastructure, Ushering in a Revolution in Indian Public Transport

Meerut-In a pioneering initiative, Namo Bharat, the semi-high-speed train connecting Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut and the Local Meerut Metro will soon be seen traversing on the same infrastructure of Namo Bharat. This integrated system, being implemented for the first time in India, is poised to bring about a revolutionary change in the country’s public transport landscape. Enabled by cutting-edge signalling systems and an optimized timetable, this seamless integration will enhance connectivity between Delhi, Ghaziabad, Meerut, and surrounding areas, facilitating fast, safe, and convenient travel for lakhs of people.

Namo Bharat trains, with an operational speed of 160 kmph, are currently operational between New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and Meerut South. Meerut Metro, India’s fastest metro system, has the operational speed of 120 kmph and will operate over a 23-km stretch with 13 stations from Meerut South to Modipuram Depot. The ambitious shared infrastructure model is a first for India and is expected to be replicated in other cities in the near future.

To ensure smooth operations on the same infrastructure, NCRTC is designing customized schedules for both Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro. At present, Namo Bharat trains run at a frequency of 15 minutes, which is expected to increase to 10-minute once the entire 82-km corridor from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram is operational. Meerut Metro services will run at a frequency of approximately 7 minutes.

Both of these modern systems are operated through a centralized Operations Control Centre (OCC). NCRTC, for the first time in the world, has deployed the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-2 over an LTE backbone. The ETCS is integrated with Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Automatic Train Supervision (ATS), and Platform Screen Doors (PSD), ensuring optimal safety and efficiency. ATP safeguards speed and signal compliance, while ATS manages schedule adherence and operational stability. Keeping the commuter safety on priority, PSDs are also integrated with ETCS.

Commuter convenience has been a key consideration while deciding the train schedules. At key interchange stations in Meerut, such as Begumpul, Shatabdi Nagar, Modipuram, and Meerut South, island platforms have been designed to allow effortless switching between Namo Bharat and Metro services. Trains operating in the same direction will arrive on opposite sides of the same platform, eliminating the need for staircases or lifts for transfers.

For example, if a passenger has to travel from Modinagar North to Meerut North (metro station), he will have to travel in Namo Bharat till Begumpul and then deboard and catch the next metro from the same station. Begumpul station has been designed in such a way that it has island platforms. This allows commuters to catch the train for their destination from both sides of the same platform without the need of using stairs or lift for trains going in both directions. Island platform is such that it has tracks on both sides. The commuter will have to buy a single ticket, directly from Modinagar North(i.e. the start point) to Meerut North (i.e. the destination), with just one ticket covering the entire journey, removing the need for separate bookings. Also, Namo Bharat and Metro running in the same direction arrive on opposite sides of the same platform, eliminating the need for staircases or lifts for transfers.Namo Bharat will come on one side of the same platform and Meerut Metro on the other side.

Available ticketing options include counters, vending machines (supporting cash, card, and UPI), and the Namo Bharat Connect mobile app. The app also features a ‘Journey Planner’ for travel guidance. 

Furthermore, integrated ticketing is being enabled through partnerships with DMRC and IRCTC. While commuters can book Delhi Metro and Namo Bharat tickets from either Mobile applications. The same facility will also be available through IRCTC app soon. 

Namo Bharat trains consist of six coaches, with the first coach designated as premium coach and the second reserved for women. Meerut Metro  has  three coaches, with each coach featuring reserved seats for women, senior citizens, and differently-abled Commuters. Though there are many differences in both the trains but for easy visual differentiation, the trains can be identified by their colour schemes: Namo Bharat features maroon stripes, while Meerut Metro is marked by parrot green stripes with similar markings on door and Tricolor on the front. 

The 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor includes 16 Namo Bharat stations. Meerut Metro’s 23-km stretch will connect 13 stations and complete the journey in around 30 minutes, with stops at all stations. Key stations offering interchange facilities between Namo Bharat and Metro include Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram.

To facilitate multimodal connectivity, the Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro stations have been strategically integrated with Indian Railways, local metro stations, and bus depots wherever possible. Special attention has been given to the design of stations such as Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram to make the switch between transport modes seamless. 

Meerut Metro will be available at 13 stations- Meerut South, Partapur, Rithani, Shatabdi Nagar, Brahmapuri, Meerut Central (underground), Bhaisali (underground), Begumpul (underground), MES Colony, Daurli, Meerut North, Modipuram and Modipuram Depot. Out of these, Namo Bharat services will also be available on Meerut South, Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram. Meerut Central, Bhaisali, and Begumpul are underground station while the remaining are elevated stations. Modipuram Depot will operate as an at-grade station.