The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has successfully installed a 200-tonne steel span over the Barapullah flyover, marking a critical link in the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
This engineering feat not only showcases the technical prowess behind India’s ambitious mobility transformation but also underlines a commitment to sustainable, high-capacity transit systems in congested urban zones. The newly installed span, consisting of four individual girders, each 40 metres long and weighing 50 tonnes, establishes a vital bridge between the Sarai Kale Khan RRTS station and the Jangpura stabling yard. This section forms part of the larger 82-kilometre RRTS corridor that aims to provide seamless, high-speed regional connectivity and reduce vehicular pressure on roads. Executed with precision and minimal disruption, the installation took place over ten consecutive nights. Coordinated efforts between NCRTC, the Public Works Department (PWD), and the Delhi Traffic Police ensured uninterrupted traffic movement in a notoriously busy stretch. According to officials involved in the project, meticulous planning was essential, as the operation was conducted in a dense urban environment crisscrossed by road infrastructure and high-voltage power lines.
To maintain structural safety and continuity of electricity supply, alternative power arrangements were coordinated with Delhi Transco Limited. This was necessary due to a 220-kilovolt high-tension line that runs over the flyover, posing both logistical and safety challenges. The engineering complexity of this span lies in the dual constraint of space and elevation. Unlike typical viaduct construction where pillars are installed at an average spacing of 34 metres, sites with pre-existing structures—such as rivers, metro corridors, expressways, or flyovers—require innovative design solutions. In such instances, NCRTC employs special steel spans to bridge long gaps without compromising the structural integrity of the corridor or obstructing existing infrastructure.
At Barapullah, the alignment required overcoming a dual hurdle—an active urban drain and a major traffic flyover. Given these constraints, conventional pier erection was ruled out. The use of pre-fabricated steel girders offered a lightweight yet robust alternative. The girders were lifted in a two-phase operation using high-capacity cranes—first hoisted from the ground onto the flyover, and subsequently aligned and installed across the designated support structures on both sides of the carriageway. This installation is part of a broader vision to expand sustainable transit solutions across the National Capital Region. The RRTS initiative, of which this corridor is the flagship stretch, is designed for high-frequency, high-speed rail services that significantly reduce travel times and emissions. Trains under the Namo Bharat brand are being designed for speeds up to 180 km/h, offering a faster and greener alternative to traditional regional transport options.
Currently, Namo Bharat trains are operational across 11 stations along the 55-kilometre stretch between New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and Meerut South in Uttar Pradesh. The Delhi segment, between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar, is witnessing accelerated development, with trial runs having commenced on April 13. This urban segment, spanning 4.5 kilometres, is crucial for interlinking key nodes within the capital with regional transport routes. Once fully operational, the RRTS corridor is expected to cut travel time between Delhi and Meerut to under an hour, benefiting thousands of daily commuters. Experts believe the project has the potential to significantly reduce reliance on private vehicles and road-based public transport, leading to a drop in carbon emissions, fuel consumption, and urban congestion.
Furthermore, the project’s design embraces inclusive urban planning by focusing on multimodal integration. Stations are being developed to serve as interchange points with other transport systems, including the Delhi Metro, interstate buses, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The corridor’s alignment through densely populated and rapidly developing zones underscores its role in facilitating equitable urban development and decentralising economic activity. The Jangpura stabling yard, to which the Barapullah span now connects, is poised to be a crucial maintenance and logistics hub for Namo Bharat operations. Located near the Sarai Kale Khan multimodal transport node, the yard is being designed to support efficient train stabling, inspection, and dispatch, enhancing operational reliability and reducing downtime.
Officials have confirmed that the full corridor is scheduled to be operational by mid-2025. This timeline aligns with broader regional planning efforts to integrate high-speed transit with green mobility initiatives under the National Transit-Oriented Development Policy. As cities across India grapple with increasing population density and mobility demands, the RRTS model offers a scalable, environmentally responsible solution. While the RRTS project has witnessed its share of logistical, administrative, and engineering hurdles, the successful installation of the Barapullah span symbolises a turning point. It reflects the potential of modern infrastructure to adapt to urban complexities without compromising ecological or social priorities.
The success of this span installation not only moves Delhi closer to a connected and cleaner future but also sets a benchmark for infrastructure development in metropolitan areas. It represents an important step in India’s transition towards cities that are more accessible, inclusive, and resilient in the face of climate and mobility challenges. As Delhi prepares for a future shaped by integrated, eco-friendly mobility solutions, this milestone at Barapullah stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when engineering innovation is aligned with sustainable urban planning.
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