India’s First RRTS Train Unveiled

Context

The very first trainsets of India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor is ready and it will be handed over to National Capital Region Transport Corporation.

About Regional Rapid Transit System(RRTS)

• RRTS is a new, dedicated, high speed, high capacity, comfortable commuter service connecting regional nodes in NCR.
• RRTS is different from conventional railways .
• RRTS will provide reliable, high frequency, point to point regional travelat high speed along dedicated path way.
• RRTS is different from metro as it caters to passengers looking to travel a relatively longer distance with fewer stops and at higher speed.

About Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) train 

• The Delhi–Meerut RRTS is an 82.15 km long, under-construction, semi-high speed rail corridor connecting Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut.
• It is one of the three rapid-rail corridors planned under Phase-I of Regional Rapid Transport System (RRTS) project of National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
• With a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99.42 mph), the distance between Delhi and Meerut will be covered in around 62 min (1.03 h).
• With radiating stainless steel outer body, these aerodynamic RRTS trains will be lightweight and fully air-conditioned.
• Each car will have six automatic plug-in type wide doors, three on each side for ease of access and exit.

Significance

• Increased Economic Activity : A fast, convenient and affordable mode of transport such as the RRTS has the potential to completely change the patterns of movement and development across the region.
• Balanced Economic Development : Improved connectivity leading to greater economic activity in the NCR would lead to a balanced economic development across the region.
• Improved Access : The RRTS would open up new markets and opportunities for people across commute distances which appear infeasible today.
• Reduced Energy Use : Rail based transport is the most efficient form of surface transport.
• Easing of road Congestion : A rapid rail transit system can ferry a much larger number of people per hour than almost any other mode of transport.
• Improved Safety : The RRTS has best in class command and control systems, and would offer a safe and reliable transport option for movement across the NCR.