India is on the cusp of a significant transportation revolution as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a 17-kilometer stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) on October 20. This inauguration marks the beginning of the country’s first regional train service known as RapidX, which promises to revolutionize connectivity between Delhi and Meerut, reducing travel time significantly. Here are ten key details about this high-speed regional rail service:
- NCRTC’s Pioneering Role: The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a joint venture involving the Indian government and the states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, is responsible for developing the RRTS. It was formally incorporated as a company on August 21, 2013, following a memorandum of understanding between the Centre and the four states on June 29, 2011.
- Project Commencement: The construction of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor began in 2019. A year later, the first glimpse of the RRTS train was unveiled.
- High-Speed Advantage: The RRTS stands out by offering an operational speed of 160 kilometers per hour, doubling the speed of the Metro, which operates at 80 kph. This means that a 100-kilometer journey will take just an hour on the RRTS, compared to three hours on a Metro train.
- India’s First RRTS: The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Corridor represents India’s inaugural RRTS project, with more projects like the Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar and Delhi-Panipat corridors to follow.
- Impressive Length: The total length of the Delhi-Meerut corridor spans 82 kilometers and will be covered in just one hour, with 24 stations in total. The first 17 kilometers, which will become operational, will include five stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and the Duhai Depot.
- Multi-Modal Integration: The NCRTC has worked diligently with the Centre, state governments, and transport systems to create deep multi-modal integration at RRTS stations. This will facilitate easy connections with various metro lines, airports, and bus stands wherever feasible.
- Funding: The project has been constructed at a cost of ₹30,274 crore, with financial support from organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, New Development Bank, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
- Commuter-Centric Features: RRTS trains are designed with passenger comfort in mind. They feature overhead luggage racks, Wi-Fi, mobile and laptop charging at every seat. One premium class car in each train offers wider seats, extra legroom, and coat hangers. Vending machines will also be available onboard.
- Gender Inclusivity: The NCRTC aims to break gender norms in the transport sector, with more women employees than men participating in the operations of the 17-kilometer primary section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor. This move is seen as a progressive step toward achieving gender equality in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
- Lost and Found Center: A dedicated ‘Lost and Found’ center has been established at the Ghaziabad Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) station, streamlining the process of retrieving misplaced belongings, a statement from the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has confirmed.
The inauguration of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of efficient and modern transportation systems, promising enhanced connectivity and convenience for millions of commuters. The completion of the full corridor by 2025 will further transform regional travel in the National Capital Region.
Sources By Agencies
