Initial trial runs on new Delhi Metro's Red Line stretch starts

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has started with the initial trial runs on the 9.41-km long Dilshad Garden-New Bus Adda corridor, which is an extension of the currently running Dilshad Garden-Rithala corridor (Line 1) of the Red Line. These trials are just the preliminary ones and the signalling trials will begin soon.

This entirely elevated section of the Red Line will comprise eight stations --- Shahid Nagar, Raj Bagh, Rajendra Nagar, Shyam Park, Mohan Nagar, Arthala, Hindon River Station and New Bus Adda," said Anuj Dyal, executive director, corporate communications, DMRC. "During the trial runs, the interaction of the Metro with physical infringements (civil structure) will be checked to ensure that there is no physical blockage during the movement of the train on the track. The entire signaling system will also undergo rigorous testing," he said.

This would be the second Metro Line to operate in Ghaziabad after Vaishali and the first Metro link connecting the interiors of Ghaziabad. This corridor will pass through the Sahibabad Industrial Area and will significantly impact the residential areas lying in the proximity. The Metro line will connect residents of Ghaziabad City with various parts of Delhi/NCR. Currently, commuters have to rely on last mile connectivity from Dilshad Garden to reach Sahibabad. Connectivity to Mohan Nagar from Dilshad Garden will also improve considerably.

The Metro will be examined on other grounds, too, such as train response at different speeds, brake and the interconnection with the operations control centre (OCC), during the trials. The behavior of the track system and the overhead electrification (OHE) will be checked repeatedly during all the trials.

According to Dyal, the corridor's construction was a major challenge as it runs along the busy GT Road which has a lot of vehicular movement throughout the day. Hence the DMRC carried most of the construction activities including the launching of girders during night hours.

The stations of this corridor have been specially designed with the station buildings on either side of the road and the platform on the central verge along the viaduct. i.e. the platforms are not a part of the station buildings. The platforms are connected to each station building with the help of foot over bridges on either side.

Currently, the 25.09-km long Red Line operates between Rithala and Dilshad Garden. After the opening of this 9.41-km section, the entire Red Line will become 34.50 km in length.