India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)

Context:

PM Modi will inaugurate the first leg of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), India’s first mass rapid system dedicated to regional connectivity. Trains on the first section will eventually cut the journey time between Delhi and Meerut to less than an hour.

Relevance:

GS III: Infrastructure

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
2. Namo Bharat trains

Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)

• RRTS is an integrated, mass transit network with semi-high-speed rail connectivity at its core.
• Its purpose is to promote balanced and sustainable urban development by improving connectivity and accessibility across the National Capital Region (NCR).

Origin:

• The concept of RRTS emerged from an Indian Railways study conducted in 1998-99.
• This study highlighted the potential for an RRTS network connecting various NCR locations through rapid commuter trains.
• In 2006, the proposal gained traction as Delhi Metro lines expanded to NCR towns like Gurgaon, Noida, and Ghaziabad.
• The National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) adopted the concept as it developed the Functional Plan on Transport for NCR-2032.
• NCRPB identified and recommended eight RRTS corridors to connect NCR towns through high-speed rail-based commuter transit services.

Objectives:

• The RRTS aims to unleash the NCR’s full potential and enhance multi-modal connectivity at transportation hubs.
• It encourages public transportation use to reduce road and metro/rail congestion.
• The project aims to stimulate employment generation and create new commercial hubs in the NCR.
• Shorter travel times are expected to boost the region’s economic productivity.

Features:

• RRTS trains are faster than metro trains, with speeds of 160 km/hour (up to 180 km/hour).
• The RRTS model is based on systems like Paris’ RER, Germany and Austria’s Regional-Express trains, and the U.S.’ SEPTA Regional Rail, among others.

Differences from Existing Systems:

• RRTS is faster than metros.
• Compared to Indian Railways, RRTS covers shorter distances but offers higher frequency and more comfort.

Namo Bharat Trains

• “Namo Bharat” is the name of India’s first regional rapid train operating between Delhi and Meerut.
• The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor and flag off the “RapidX train” connecting Sahibabad and Duhai Depot.

Construction:

• The RRTS, also known as “Namo Bharat,” has been constructed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
• NCRTC is a joint venture between the Central government and the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
• It operates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and is responsible for implementing the RRTS project across the National Capital Region.

-Source: Indian Express