Alstom has successfully delivered the first indigenously manufactured train set for Meerut Metro to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), as part of a contract signed by Alstom in 2020 for the delivery of 210 cars for the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
Image Credit: NCRTC
More Details:
The first train set was flagged off at a ceremony held at Alstom’s manufacturing facility at Savli in Gujarat, in the presence of Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs & Petroleum & Natural Gas (virtually), Shri Vinay Kumar Singh, Managing Director – NCRTC, and Mr. Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India.
The Meerut Metro is an urban Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) that will operate across the 25-km stretch of Line-1 (~14.80 km elevated and 4.6 km underground), connecting Partapur to Modipuram via 11 stations. For the convenience of the residents of Meerut, three stations on this line will provide connectivity to the India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), connecting Delhi and Meerut.
30 coaches will be supplied by Alstom to serve the line in a configuration of 10 train sets of three cars each. The rolling stock is based on Alstom’s Adessia commuter train family, incorporating worldwide experience. The primary purpose of this Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) is a feeder to RRTS and a metro for the Meerut region.
Alstom and Meerut Metro Project Commitment:
- In 2020, Alstom was awarded the contract, and the scope of work includes:
- Design, build, and deliver the train sets – 30 transit train cars
- Design, supply and install the signalling, train control and telecommunication system, platform screen door & long-term evolution which is completed for the ~ 17km priority section for the launch
- Provide comprehensive maintenance services for 15 years
The outstanding ergonomics, safety and comfort, low life cycle costs and high recyclability also contribute to making these new commuter trains an attractive sustainable choice to promote public transport, thereby reducing traffic congestion, air pollution and fuel consumption. They help to save travel costs and time as well as to change the lives of millions of citizens by connecting suburban places with the economic centre of the region.
Image Credit: Alstom
The MRTS trains:
- Resemble the appearance of conformist metro trains
- Present a mix of longitudinal and lateral cushioned seating
- Offer a range of passenger-centric amenities, including overhead luggage racks, miniature screens within the coaches, wi-fi connectivity, and multiple USB sockets near the seats
- Feature designated wheelchair spaces for individuals with disabilities and stretcher space for emergency medical transfers. Emergency communication capabilities are also integrated into the coaches, designed, and manufactured in alignment with International Safety Standards.
Expert Insights:
Shri Vinay Kumar Singh, Managing Director – NCRTC, said “Namo Bharat trains and Meerut Metro are a testament to our unwavering commitment towards the realisation of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti National Master Plan. In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, both these services will run on the same RRTS infrastructure. The modern Meerut Metro trainsets have been designed and manufactured indigenously under the Make-in-India initiative. Alstom team has worked hard in ensuring timely delivery of these MRTS train sets in sync with the preparedness of infrastructure.”
Commenting on the delivery, Mr. Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India said, “The Meerut Metro project is a step forward in the country’s ambition to modernise intra and intercity rail travel and we are delighted to be delivering our next generation products towards realising this vision. With its connectivity to the Namo Bharat line, the combined service will drive a long-term positive impact for business and leisure travel in the northern belt.”
Promotes Make-in-India Initiative:
Designed at Alstom’s Hyderabad engineering centre and manufactured at Savli (Gujarat), these trains are indigenous, in line with the government’s Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat ambitions. The train set will undergo its due testing and validation upon arrival at the depot in Meerut.
Conclusion:
The Meerut Metro will play a key role in promoting balanced and sustainable economic development of the region. The advanced, eco-friendly design will bring significant efficiencies through the incorporation of energy-saving technologies, including the modern car body, reliable bogies, efficient propulsion system and regenerative braking.
Source: Alstom- Press Release | Featured Image Credit: Alstom
