Largest Namo Bharat station to finish by April

The largest Namo Bharat station, Sarai Kale Khan, on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is expected to be finished by the end of April. Trial runs from New Ashok Nagar to Sarai Kale Khan are set to begin soon as major construction and electrification work is almost complete. Sarai Kale Khan will be a key transport hub. It will connect various modes of transport, such as the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, the Delhi Metro's Pink Line, and the Veer Haqeeqat Rai Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT). A 280-meter foot overbridge is being built to link the new station to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. This foot overbridge will have six travelators to help passengers move easily between transportation options. The construction also includes several foot overbridges to help commuters cross busy roads. A dedicated drop-off area for vehicles, which can accommodate over 40 vehicles, is also being developed under the elevated station. Moreover, a bus interchange is being built beneath the station to ensure organized public transport. The station will have five entry-exit gates, multiple staircases, 14 lifts, and 18 escalators already installed. The station's dimensions are 215 meters in length, 50 meters in width, and 15 meters in height. Currently, Namo Bharat trains operate along a 55-kilometer stretch from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South, making stops at 11 stations. The corridor will extend further to three additional stations: Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul, and Modipuram. Begumpul, the deepest underground station in Meerut, is nearing completion, as is the last station, Modipuram. In addition, trial runs for the Meerut Metro have started, operating between Meerut South and the area before Meerut Central Station. This metro service will share the infrastructure with Namo Bharat trains, marking a first in India. The Meerut Metro will serve 13 stations over a 23-kilometer stretch and is expected to fully operate by the end of June.