Prime Minister narendra Modi marked a crucial milestone in India’s transport infrastructure on Sunday with the inauguration of the Delhi section of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).This means that the Namo Bharat trains, known for passenger comfort, have now reached the national capital.
A New Era of Connectivity: Delhi-meerut RRTS expands
The newly inaugurated 13-km stretch of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS connects Sahibabad in Uttar Pradesh to New Ashok Nagar in Delhi. With this addition, the namo Bharat Corridor now spans an notable 55 km, encompassing 11 stations between New Ashok Nagar and Meerut South.
passenger services on this new section commenced at 5 pm on Sunday with trains running every 15 minutes. The fare structure offers both standard and premium coach options. A journey from New Ashok nagar to Meerut South will cost INR 150 for standard coach and INR 225 for premium coach. For single trips, the minimum fare in standard coach starts at INR 20 and goes up to INR 150, while in the premium coach it ranges from INR 30 to INR 225.
RRTS: A Game-Changer for Commuters
Launched last year,the RRTS was initially operational between Meerut and Ghaziabad,covering a distance of 42 km and serving nine stations from Sahibabad to meerut South. To date, thes Namo bharat trains have ferried over 50 lakh passengers. The expansion of the RRTS is set to revolutionize travel options between Delhi and its surrounding areas, especially for those seeking an efficient and affordable commute.
Key Highlights of the New 13-Km Stretch
- The inauguration directly connects Meerut city to Delhi, according to officials.
- Officials confirmed that this development will significantly reduce travel time by one-third, enabling commuters to reach Meerut South from New Ashok Nagar in a shorter duration.
“The Delhi section of the RRTS is a testament to our commitment to providing modern and sustainable transportation solutions,” Prime Minister Modi said. “This corridor will not only ease commuting woes but also boost economic growth in the region.”
Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor Expands: 13-Km Delhi Section Opens
The high-speed Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor has received a major boost with the inauguration of its 13-kilometre Delhi section. This brings the total operational length of the corridor to 55 kilometres, connecting commuters seamlessly between the national capital and Meerut.
Faster Travel Times and Multi-Modal Connectivity at Anand Vihar
Commuters can now travel from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South in just under 40 minutes, a significant reduction in travel time. The inauguration includes a six-kilometre underground section,marking a first for Namo Bharat trains operating underground. the highlight of this section is the anand Vihar station, one of the largest on the corridor.
“This marks the first time that Namo Bharat trains will operate in an underground section,” officials said. Commuters will be able to travel to Meerut South in just 35 minutes from this point.
anand Vihar station will provide seamless connectivity to various modes of transport. Commuters will have access to two Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs),two metro corridors (Pink and Blue lines),the Anand Vihar railway station,and the City Bus Stand. This multi-modal integration will enable passengers from both Meerut and Delhi to reach various destinations across the country.
Enhanced Accessibility and Infrastructure
To ensure smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians around the Anand vihar station, three bridges have been constructed over the Ghazipur Drain.Two of these bridges will facilitate vehicle entry and exit, while the third is exclusively for pedestrians.
New Ashok Nagar, the first elevated Namo Bharat station on the Delhi section, also commenced operations. Located 20 metres above the New Ashok Nagar Metro station, it features a commercial center for passenger convenience and a 90-meter-long foot overbridge connecting it to the Blue Line of Delhi Metro.
Operational Stations and future Expansion
With the addition of the delhi section, there are now 11 operational stations on the RRTS corridor: New Ashok Nagar, anand Vihar, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, Duhai depot, Muradnagar, Modi Nagar south, Modi Nagar North, and Meerut South. Sahibabad was the first station and Meerut South the last before the inauguration of the Delhi section.
The Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor, envisioned as an 82-kilometre network, ultimately aims to connect Sarai Kale Khan in new delhi to Modipuram in Meerut.Once fully operational,it will boast 16 Namo Bharat stations and nine additional stations for the Meerut Metro.
Delhi-meerut RRTS: A Revolutionary Leap in Regional Connectivity
india’s ambitious Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is transforming regional travel, offering a fast, efficient, and modern alternative to conventional modes of transport.
A Semi-High Speed Solution for the NCR
Conceptualized as a semi-high-speed rail corridor,the RRTS connects the bustling National capital Region (NCR) cities of Delhi,Ghaziabad,and Meerut. As part of the first phase of the RapidX project managed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), it is the first of three planned rapid rail corridors.
trains zip along the corridor at a speed of 180 kmph, significantly reducing travel time. The route stretches from Jangpura in Delhi, through Sarai Kale Khan – the central hub for all three planned corridors – and culminates in Modipuram, Meerut. Two strategically located depots in duhai and modipuram support the corridor’s operations.
A Phased Rollout for Seamless Integration
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for this transformative project in March 2019, with construction commencing in June of the same year. The initial 17-km stretch between Sahibabad and Duhai
Delhi’s Regional Rapid Transit System: A Faster Future for NCR commuters
The National Capital region (NCR) is a vibrant hub, attracting individuals from neighboring cities seeking enhanced opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment. While this influx is undoubtedly beneficial, it strains Delhi’s infrastructure, leading to notorious traffic congestion and concerning air pollution levels.
RRTS: A Solution for NCR’s Commuting Woes
To address these challenges head-on,the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) emerges as a game-changer. Modeled after accomplished european high-speed transit systems like the RER in Paris and the Regional-Express in germany, the RRTS promises a revolution in travel between key nodes within the NCR.
Unlike the Delhi Metro, which has a maximum speed of 80 kmph and an average speed of 45 kmph on regular lines, the RRTS will reach impressive speeds of up to 180 kmph. this translates to significantly reduced travel times and a more efficient commuting experience.
How RRTS Will transform NCR Travel
The RRTS is strategically designed to alleviate pressure on Delhi’s roads by providing a faster, more convenient alternative for commuters from cities like Meerut, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Panipat.
“This not only puts pressure on city roads but causes air pollution that is a major problem during the winter months. A faster alternative for mass movement from the neighbourhood will reduce migration, fuel use, travel time, congestion,” explains the NCRTC.
Beyond Speed: Sustainability and Passenger Comfort
Inaugurated in October 2023 by the Prime Minister,the RRTS depot became operational,marking a significant milestone. Throughout 2024, the network expanded, with sections inaugurated in March and August, extending the operational length to over 40 km.
The Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor is projected to have a profound environmental impact,removing over 100,000 private vehicles from the roads annually,leading to a reduction of 2.5 lakh tonnes in carbon emissions.
RRTS vs. Delhi Metro: A Distinction in Purpose
While sharing similarities with the Delhi Metro, the RRTS caters to a distinct travel need. Designed for longer distances with fewer stops and higher speeds, it targets commuters seeking rapid transit options between cities. “Apart from being faster, the RRTS is different from the Metro because it caters to passengers looking to travel relatively longer distances with fewer stops and at higher speeds,” explains the NCRTC.
Passenger-Centric design
The project prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience at every touchpoint.Stations are equipped with complimentary drinking water and clean restrooms.Each train reserves a coach exclusively for women, and other coaches feature designated seats for women, the elderly, and differently-abled passengers. Wheelchairs and stretchers are accommodated within the trains, ensuring accessibility for all.
Onboard attendants assist passengers, and a panic button is readily available inside each coach and on platform screen doors for emergencies.
Revolutionizing Regional connectivity: The Delhi-meerut RRTS Corridor
The National Capital Region (NCR) is on the cusp of a transportation revolution with the launch of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). This ambitious project promises to reshape commuting patterns and unlock economic potential across the region.
A Vision for Seamless Connectivity
“The Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor is a transformative project aimed at revolutionizing regional connectivity in the NCR,” explains Rajesh kumar, Chief Project Manager of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor. “The vision is to provide a fast, efficient, and lasting mode of transport that bridges the gap between Delhi and its neighboring cities like Ghaziabad and Meerut.”
the RRTS aims to address the NCR’s pressing need for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions by connecting key economic hubs and residential areas. Beyond reducing travel times, it seeks to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. As Kumar notes, “this corridor is not just about reducing travel time; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for millions of commuters by offering a reliable and comfortable alternative to conventional transport systems.”
Phase One: Connecting Delhi to Key Cities
The initial phase of the RRTS project prioritizes three key corridors:
- Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Corridor
- Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar Corridor
- Delhi-Panipat Corridor
With eight corridors planned in total, the RRTS is poised to revolutionize transportation in the NCR, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for the region’s growing need for connectivity.
The Delhi-Meerut Corridor: A Game Changer
The inauguration of the 13-km Delhi section of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor marks a significant milestone. This section connects Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar and showcases the project’s potential.
Key Features and Enhanced Connectivity
“The 13-km Delhi section is a game-changer,” says Kumar. “It includes a six-kilometre underground stretch,which is a first for the Namo Bharat trains. The highlight is the Anand Vihar station, one of the largest on the corridor, offering seamless multi-modal connectivity.”
“Commuters can now travel from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South in just under 40 minutes, a significant reduction from the previous travel time,” Kumar adds. “This section also features three new bridges over the Ghazipur Drain, ensuring smooth movement for vehicles and pedestrians.”
Semi-High-Speed Rail Technology
The RRTS is being hailed as a semi-high-speed rail corridor, achieving impressive speeds of up to 160 kmph.This is made possible through several technological advancements, including dedicated tracks, advanced signaling systems, and aerodynamic train designs. These features allow for faster acceleration and braking, significantly reducing travel times.
Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor: Revolutionizing Regional Connectivity
The Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor is changing the landscape of regional travel in India. With its state-of-the-art technology and focus on sustainability, the RRTS is poised to become a model for efficient and eco-friendly transportation.
Speed, efficiency, and Reliability
Rajesh Kumar, Managing Director of NCRTC, highlighted the technical prowess of the RRTS, stating, “The RRTS trains are designed to operate at a speed of 180 kmph, making them one of the fastest regional transit systems in the country.” He further emphasized the corridor’s commitment to efficiency and reliability, “The trains are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced signaling systems and energy-efficient propulsion mechanisms.The corridor also features strategically located depots in Duhai and Modipuram to support operations and maintenance.”
A Sustainable Future
Sustainability is at the core of the RRTS project. As Kumar explained, “By providing a fast and efficient alternative to private vehicles, the corridor is expected to remove over 100,000 private vehicles from the roads annually, leading to a reduction of 2.5 lakh tonnes in carbon emissions.” He added, “Additionally, the stations are equipped with eco-friendly features such as solar panels and energy-efficient lighting. We are committed to minimizing the environmental impact while maximizing passenger comfort and convenience.”
Public Response and Future Growth
Since its launch, the RRTS has transported over 50 lakh passengers, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response.Kumar noted, “Passengers have appreciated the comfort, speed, and reliability of the Namo Bharat trains. With the addition of the Delhi section, we expect a significant increase in ridership as more commuters from the capital and surrounding areas experience the benefits of the RRTS.”
The multi-modal connectivity at Anand Vihar station will further enhance the appeal of the RRTS, making it easier for passengers to reach various destinations across the country. looking ahead, Kumar revealed, “The Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor is part of a larger vision to connect the entire national Capital region with a network of rapid rail corridors. Once fully operational, the Delhi-Meerut corridor will span 82 kilometers, connecting Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut, with 16 Namo Bharat stations and nine additional stations for the Meerut metro.”
He also mentioned the RapidX project, which will see the development of two more rapid rail corridors, further enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth.