At 160 kmph, Namo Bharat becomes India’s fastest train, connecting Delhi to Meerut in under 60 minutes

India has a new speed champion on the rails. The Namo Bharat train, operating at a maximum speed of 160 km/h on the 55-km stretch of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), has officially become the fastest train in the country.

Until now, semi-high-speed trains like the Gatimaan Express and Vande Bharat held the top spot, both running at 160 km/h on specific routes. However, following a June 2024 directive, their speed was capped at 130 km/h. Namo Bharat, on the other hand, now touches 160 km/h on select stretches, giving commuters a taste of true rapid transit.

A Corridor Built for Speed

The current operational section stretches from New Ashok Nagar in East Delhi to Meerut South in Uttar Pradesh, covering 55 km of the 82.15 km corridor. Eventually, the full corridor, with 16 stations from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in UP, is expected to be commissioned soon, connecting Delhi to Meerut in less than one hour, even with stops at all enroute stations.

Thirty six-car trainsets ply this route at 15-minute intervals, accelerating to peak speeds on longer stretches between stations. Designed in Hyderabad and manufactured at Alstom’s Savli factory in Gujarat, the trains feature aerodynamic, modern designs compatible with Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Automatic Train Control (ATC), and Automatic Train Operations (ATO).

“The distance between two stations ranges from five to eight kilometres, and the train achieves its maximum speed on longer intervals,” said officials from the National Capital Regional Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTCL).

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Namo Bharat, Not Your Ordinary Train

Namo Bharat is a unique transit solution. Unlike conventional trains, it does not operate on fixed timetables or require seat reservations. It is also distinct from metro services, catering to passengers travelling longer distances with fewer stops at higher speeds. Since the launch of its first 17-km Priority Section on 21 October 2023, the system has already served over 1.5 crore riders, solidifying its place as a key regional transport solution.

Meerut Metro Integration

Adding to its innovation, the NCRTCL is trialling Meerut Metro services on the same tracks. The 23-km urban transit service will include 13 stations and allow commuters to switch seamlessly between Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro, creating a comfortable and efficient travel experience.The Namo Bharat RRTS, a joint venture between the Government of India (50%) and state governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan (12.5% each), represents the country’s first Regional Rapid Transit System. Its sleek design, high-speed capability, and integrated urban connectivity make it a game-changer for regional travel, setting new benchmarks for India’s railways.

As the corridor nears full commissioning, the dream of travelling from Delhi to Meerut in under an hour is no longer just a vision, it’s now reality.

Inputs from PTI

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