Essential Insights on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor

New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a 13-kilometre stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor on Sunday, connecting Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar. This milestone fulfills the aspirations of countless residents in the National Capital Region for a rapid, safe, and non-road means of transportation.

The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is grounded in the Central Place Theory, which posits that settlements evolve around central hubs providing services to surrounding suburbs.

The RRTS is poised to transform the travel landscape for Indians, facilitating movement between urban centers that host crucial business districts and their suburbs—a vital step in alleviating urban congestion.

Here are some pivotal facts and highlights regarding the new rail-based transit network:

Total length and cost of the RRTS corridor from Delhi to Meerut?

The 84-km RRTS corridor connecting Delhi to Meerut is under construction at a cost of Rs 30,274 crore, aiming to cut travel time between Jangpura in Delhi and Modipuram in Meerut down to one hour.

Projected daily ridership and number of stations upon project completion?

According to assessments by the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB), the Namo Bharat RRTS between Delhi and Meerut is expected to accommodate approximately eight lakh daily riders. It will feature 25 stations, with 68 km of the corridor elevated, 13 km underground, and 3 km at grade. Full operations from Delhi to Modipuram are anticipated to commence in 2025.

Highlights of the Delhi portion of RRTS?

The RRTS will have four stations in Delhi, with approximately 3.8 km of the 14 km corridor in the national capital located underground. An extension of two km from Sarai Kale Khan to Jangpura has been proposed.

When did the Namo Bharat train operations commence?

The inaugural Namo Bharat train, representing India's first RRTS, began service on a 17-kilometre priority section between Sahibabad and the Duhai Depot, following its opening by PM Modi on October 20, 2023. The foundation stone for this initiative was laid by PM Modi in March 2019.

What is the total length of the Namo Bharat RRTS after the recent corridor inauguration?

The opening of the 13-kilometre segment of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor now extends the service to a total of 55 km.

What are the fare details for the operational RRTS stretch?

Officials report that the fare from New Ashok Nagar station to Meerut South is Rs 150 for a standard coach and Rs 225 for a premium coach. The minimum fare is set at Rs 20 for a standard coach and Rs 30 for a premium coach.

How does RRTS differ from Metro or traditional railways?

In contrast to traditional railways or Metro systems, RRTS trains are designed to operate at much higher speeds (exceeding 160 km/h) and can accommodate a larger number of passengers, thereby reducing congestion and allowing for high-frequency services with trains every 15 minutes.

This high-speed, dependable, and comfortable train service aims to facilitate travel for millions, enabling commuters to save one-third of their typical travel time between Delhi and Meerut, which is under 60 minutes.

Who manages and operates the RRTS?

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) owns the trains, which was established in July 2013 as a joint venture between the Government of India and the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

In July 2022, NCRTC appointed Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany's national railway company, to operate and maintain the corridor for a duration of 12 years, with a five-year extension option.

The NCRTC has branded the service provider as RapidX and designated the trains as Namo Bharat, recognized as the fastest rapid transit trains in India, operating at a speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).

Where are the RRTS trains sourced from?

The trains are being supplied by Bombardier Transportation, a former Canadian railway manufacturing company now owned by Alstom, a global French railway manufacturing firm. They will provide 210 coaches comprising 30 trainsets with six coaches each, with manufacturing taking place at their facility in Savli, Gujarat.