Stepping up efforts to make the RRTS corridor fully functional, NCRTC has started track laying activities inside the constructed tunnel in Meerut, on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor.
The construction of the first tunnel, from Gandhi Bagh to Begumpul Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) station in Meerut, was completed in October last year.
According to the NCRTC, track laying activities have started inside this 750-meter-long tunnel.
Two parallel tunnels are being constructed for the movement of trains in the underground section of the RRTS corridor. The construction of the parallel tunnel from Gandhi Bagh to Begumpul was completed in just two days ago.
Along with these RRTS tunnels, the construction of the other tunnels between Bhainsali to Meerut Central Station have also been completed. Tracks are also to be laid in all these tunnels, for which the process is about to start.
Precast track slabs are being manufactured at the track slab factory in Casting Yard, Shatabdi Nagar, Meerut.
For the first time in the country, such technology is being used to produce high strength ballast-less track slabs. These track slabs have a longer life cycle and require less maintenance. Due to this, the costs of life cycle maintenance of these tracks are very low.
RRTS track slabs measure 4 m x 2.5 m in size. Very high-quality concrete is used for its manufacturing, which ensures very good finishing.
These track slabs are being brought to the tunnel site, laden on the trucks-trailers, for the installation work inside the tunnels.
In order to give strength to the track in a circular tunnel, first, a plain cement concrete (PCC) base is built. Wherever necessary, special rubber pads are also being installed for track laying inside the tunnel, which help control the vibration in the tunnel.
After the work of installation of track slabs, the installation of the signaling system and traction works will begin inside the tunnel.
With the help of this track technology, NCRTC will be able to run high speed and high frequency RRTS trains and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers with an operational speed of 160 kmph and upto 100 kmph average speed during the operation.
A total of about 42,000 precast track slabs are being constructed for the entire Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor. About 9,000 track slabs have been made and installed for the 17-kilometre-long Priority Section only.
The Priority Section will be operationalised this year, for which NCRTC is carrying out the testing of RRTS trains. The entire corridor from Delhi to Meerut is targeted to be commissioned in 2025.