Central Idea

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

Understanding the RRTS Project

Integrated Mass Transit Network: The RRTS is an integrated mass transit network aimed at promoting balanced and sustainable urban development by enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the NCR.
Origin of the Idea: The concept of RRTS emerged from a study commissioned to Indian Railways in 1998-99, envisioning fast commuter trains connecting various NCR locations.
National Capital Region Planning: 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 square kilometers and serving a population of over 46 crore with a combined GDP of an estimated $370 billion.

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.
Comparatively faster: In comparison, Delhi Metro trains typically operate at speeds of 100 km/hour to 120 km/hour.
Coverage: Compared to existing metro systems, the RRTS offers higher speeds, making it ideal for covering relatively longer distances across the NCR swiftly.
Frequency and Comfort: In contrast to Indian Railways, while RRTS covers shorter distances, it operates at higher frequencies and provides enhanced passenger comfort.
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.

Enhancing Connectivity: The RRTS aims to unlock the NCR’s potential by improving multi-modal connectivity at existing transportation hubs.
Decongesting Roads and Rails: One of the primary goals is to encourage public transportation, thus alleviating congestion on roads, highways, metro, and railway networks.
Economic Growth: By facilitating shorter travel times, the RRTS seeks to boost economic productivity in the region, allowing more economic activity to thrive around suburban locations in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.

Eight Corridors: The RRTS project encompasses eight corridors, with three being developed under Phase I:

1. Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut (82 km)
2. Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar (164 km)
3. Delhi-Panipat (103 km)
Future Development: Future corridors include routes like Delhi – Faridabad – Ballabgarh – Palwal, Ghaziabad – Khurja, Delhi – Bahadurgarh – Rohtak, Ghaziabad-Hapur, and 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 and Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.