REGIONAL RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM (RRTS) – GOVERNMENT SCHEME

News: New RRTS trains to be known as 'NaMo Bharat'

 

What's in the news?

       PM Modi is set to inaugurate the first segment of India’s ground breaking Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), a high-speed rail network aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.

 

Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS):

       The RRTS is an integrated mass transit network aimed at promoting balanced and sustainable urban development by enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the NCR.

       The National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) adopted the RRTS concept while developing its “Functional Plan on Transport for NCR-2032” and recommended eight RRTS corridors to connect NCR towns.

 

Nodal Agency: 

       NCRTC, a joint venture of the Central government, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, is responsible for building the RRTS, also known as “Namo Bharat.”

       It operates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

 

Scope of the Project: 

       The RRTS project spans across the vast NCR, covering approximately 55,000 sq.km and serving a population of over 46 crore with a combined GDP of an estimated $370 billion.

 

Corridors under the RRTS Project:

Eight Corridors: 

The RRTS project encompasses eight corridors, with three being developed under Phase I.

       Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut (82 km)

       Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar (164 km)

       Delhi-Panipat (103 km)

       Delhi – Faridabad – Ballabgarh – Palwal

       Ghaziabad – Khurja

       Delhi – Bahadurgarh – Rohtak, Ghaziabad-Hapur

       Delhi-Shahadra-Baraut.

 

Sarai Kale Khan Hub: 

       The RRTS station at Sarai Kale Khan will serve as the project’s central hub, connecting all three Phase I corridors, bridging the gap between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.

 

How RRTS differ from existing Systems?

1. Impressive Speed: 

       RRTS trains are designed to operate at speeds of 160 km/hour, with the capability to reach a maximum speed of 180 km/hour.

2. Comparatively faster: 

       In comparison, Delhi Metro trains typically operate at speeds of 100 km/hour to 120 km/hour.

3. Coverage:

       Compared to existing metro systems, the RRTS offers higher speeds, making it ideal for covering relatively longer distances across the NCR swiftly.

4. Frequency and Comfort: 

       In contrast to Indian Railways, while RRTS covers shorter distances, it operates at higher frequencies and provides enhanced passenger comfort.

5. International Models: 

       The RRTS draws inspiration from successful international models like the RER in Paris, Regional-Express trains in Germany and Austria, and the SEPTA Regional Rail in the United States, among others.