Recently, the First Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) was launched in India with Namo Bharat RapidX train completing a 17- km stretch from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot in Uttar Pradesh.
source: RRTS
About RRTS Project
• It is a new, dedicated, high-speed, high-capacity, comfortable commuter service connecting regional nodes in NCR.
• It is part of India’s efforts to enhance urban transportation and address the challenges of increasing population and urbanization.
• These will operate at a speed of 160 km/hour but are designed to be able to run at speeds up to 180 km/hour.
• Different from Metro and Indian Railways:
o RRTS is different from the metro as it caters to passengers looking to travel relatively longer distances with fewer stops and at higher speeds.
o RRTS is different from conventional Railways as it will provide reliable, high-frequency, point-to-point regional
travel at high speed along a dedicated pathway.
• National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is responsible for implementing the RRTS in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Internet
Significance of RRTS Project
• Increased Economic Activity: With shorter travel times, the overall productivity of the region would be enhanced.
• Balanced Economic Development: Improved connectivity would lead to deeper economic integration in the region and consequently more balanced economic development.
• Improved Access: A faster commute would allow people access to more employment opportunities and better
facilities for healthcare and education.
• Savings in Travel Cost and Time: Offered at an affordable price, these journeys would also lead to savings, increasing disposable incomes and quality of life.
• Lower Emissions: Small carbon footprint and high passenger throughput will lead to a significant reduction in pollution in the region.
• Easing of Road Congestion: The RRTS, which could shift a large amount of traffic from road to rail could free up a lot of road space and ease congestion on highways across the NCR.
Challenges in implementation of RRTS Project
• Financial Constraints: Maintaining and operating railway networks demands substantial upfrontinvestment, posing a potential strain on public budgets.
• Environmental Concerns:
o Construction activities in the RRTS project pose a major risk for Delhi NCR air pollution in the immediate term.
o Further, it is expected to add to the noise pollution and vibration issues in residential infrastructure.
• Construction Challenges: E.g., significant engineering challenges, including tunneling, bridge construction, and
alignment considerations.
Way forward
• Air-pollution control through the establishment of water pumps at casting yards, installation of air monitoring
devices at various points along the route etc. to bring down associated dust levels.
• Ensure that the design aligns with urban planning goals, environmental sustainability, and integration with existing transportation networks.
o For example, adherence to design standards in line with PM Gati Shakti master plan.
• Integrate advanced technologies like automatic train control systems, communication networks, fare collection
systems, and others to ensure seamless and optimized operations.
About National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)
National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) – a joint venture company of Govt of India and States of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh is mandated for implementing the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project across the National Capital Region, ensuring a balanced and sustainable urban development through better connectivity and access.