IRCON International Ltd. has achieved a key milestone by completing and commissioning the entire Overhead Equipment (OHE) across 169 track km (82 route km) of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor. This marks a major step toward the operational readiness of India’s first semi-high-speed RRTS, enhancing regional connectivity and green mobility.
Introduction:
In a significant step, IRCON has successfully installed and commissioned the full stretch of Overhead Equipment (OHE) across 169 Track Kilometres (82 Route Kilometres) on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, a flagship route under the National Capital Region Transport Corporation’s (NCRTC) semi-high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project.
This key development highlights IRCON’s technical expertise and strengthens its role as a key leader in railway electrification in India. The completion of OHE systems paves the way for full-speed trials and commercial operations on the country’s first-of-its-kind RRTS network.
Project Overview – Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor:
- The Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut corridor is part of India’s first RRTS initiative, aimed at minimising travel time and easing congestion in the National Capital Region (NCR).
- The total corridor length is approximately 82 route km, designed for a top speed of 180 kmph, with trains operating at an average speed of 100 kmph.
- Once operational, it will cut the Delhi-Meerut journey to under 60 minutes, a vital improvement over current travel times.
IRCON’s Role in Electrification Milestone:
IRCON, one of India’s leading infrastructure and engineering companies under the Ministry of Railways, was entrusted with the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the OHE system for this strategic corridor.
Key highlights of the milestone include-
- Completion of 169 km of electrified track, covering both up and down lines.
- Use of cutting-edge 25 kV AC traction technology.
- Timely execution despite challenges posed by urban density, land acquisition, and multi-agency coordination.
Boosting Green Mobility and Efficiency:
- Allow fully electric operations, minimising dependence on fossil fuels.
- Supports the deployment of modern, fast, and energy-efficient trainsets such as the Namo Bharat.
- Strengthens India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and adopting green transport systems.
Importance for NCRTC’s RRTS Vision:
The electrification milestone is a key component of NCRTC’s broader goal of launching the entire corridor in phases. With priority sections such as Sahibabad to Duhai already operational, the completion of OHE across the entire length ensures readiness for trial runs and faster deployment of remaining phases.
The full operation of the RRTS corridor is expected to-
- Significantly reduce intercity travel time.
- Decongest major highways and reduce vehicular pollution.
- Spur economic activity and urban growth in Delhi NCR.
Conclusion:
IRCON’s successful commissioning of the entire OHE on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is an incredible feat, marking a move toward operational readiness of India’s first semi-high-speed regional rail system. This achievement showcases IRCON’s engineering prowess and strengthens India’s journey towards faster, cleaner, and smarter mobility solutions.
Source: IRCON | Images Credit: IRCON
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