Kamal Ghorui
Meerut residents, all set for India’s fastest metro? Meerut is preparing to launch a metro network that officials say will set a new benchmark for speed in the country. With a maximum operational speed of 120 kmph, the upcoming Meerut Metro is expected to sharply cut travel time across the city. The corridor will stretch 21 kilometres from Meerut South to Modipuram and include 12 stations. According to an official cited by PTI, commuters will be able to cover the full route in about 30 minutes, with trains halting at every station along the way.In a first for India, the metro will operate on the same tracks and infrastructure as the semi-high-speed Namo Bharat trains. Officials said that this shared system will create an integrated transport model, bringing together regional rapid transit and city metro services within a single framework.The trains have been designed with stainless-steel bodies and a lightweight structure, finished in a fluorescent green, blue and orange colour scheme. Each three-coach train is energy-efficient and fitted with regenerative braking systems. They are also compatible with Automatic Train Protection and Automatic Train Operation technologies, the official said.
Key features:
- Every fully air-conditioned train will carry more than 700 passengers, including seating for 173 commuters.
- The coaches will feature both transverse and longitudinal cushioned seating.
- Facilities such as luggage racks, USB charging ports and reserved seats for women, senior citizens and passengers with disabilities have been included.
- CCTV surveillance will cover both stations and trains, while platform screen doors will be installed at all stations.
- Lifts, wheelchair spaces and designated areas for stretchers form part of the universal access features, the official added.
The project is expected to improve daily commuting, strengthen connectivity and boost economic and social activity in Meerut. The official said that PM Modi will soon inaugurate the services, making Meerut the fifth city in Uttar Pradesh to have a metro network.Until now, the highest operational speed achieved on an Indian metro corridor has been 110 kmph on the Delhi Airport Express Line.
