NEW DELHI: - In a momentous occasion set to transform regional transportation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially unveil the inauguration of a 17-kilometer stretch of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) on October 20 in Ghaziabad. This marks the launch of India's pioneering regional train service, RapidX, aiming to significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut to just 60 minutes. Here are the essential insights about this high-speed regional rail service:

Joint Venture for Progress: The RRTS is a collaborative effort between the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) and the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Established through a memorandum of understanding on June 29, 2011, NCRTC was officially incorporated on August 21, 2013.

Commencement of Construction: In 2019, the construction of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor commenced, with the first glimpse of the RRTS train unveiled a year later.

Unmatched Speed: Differing from the Metro rail, the RRTS boasts an operational speed of 160 kilometers per hour, far surpassing the Metro's 80 kph. While a Metro train would require three hours to cover a 100-kilometer journey, an RRTS can accomplish the same distance in just one hour.

India's Pioneering Project: The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Corridor is the inaugural RRTS project in India, and it will be closely followed by the Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar and Delhi-Panipat corridors.

Length and Stations: The entire Delhi-Meerut corridor spans 82 kilometers and can be traversed in an hour, with 24 stations planned. The initial phase covering 17 kilometers will include five stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and the Duhai Depot.

Seamless Integration: NCRTC has diligently worked with the Central government, four state governments, and various transport systems to ensure comprehensive multi-modal integration at RRTS stations. These stations will seamlessly connect with various metro lines, airports, and bus terminals whenever feasible.

Investment and Funding: The project has been executed at a cost of Rs.30,274 crore, with financial support from institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, New Development Bank, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Passenger-Centric Amenities: RRTS trains are equipped with an array of passenger-friendly amenities, including overhead luggage racks, Wi-Fi, and charging facilities for mobile devices and laptops at every seat. Each train will feature a premium class car, characterized by wider seats, extra legroom, and coat hangers. Furthermore, vending machines will be available onboard.

Promoting Gender Equality: The NCRTC has emphasized that the operations of the 17-kilometer primary section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor will involve more female employees than their male counterparts. In a proactive move to challenge established gender norms in the transportation sector, the company ensures equal participation of women, traditionally considered a male-dominated domain.

This significant milestone in India's transportation infrastructure is expected to enhance connectivity and convenience, bolstering regional travel for millions of commuters. The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor is poised to revolutionize the way people travel within the National Capital Region, setting the stage for further progress in the country's transportation landscape.

PM Modi Set to Inaugurate India's First High-Speed Urban Transit System, RAPIDX, Next Week

PM Modi to Unveil Inaugural Phase of DelhiMeerut RRTS in Ghaziabad on 20th This Month