RapidX [1]
Namo Bharat Trainsets
Overview
Service typeelevated rapid rail
StatusPartially operational
First service21 October 2023 (2023-10-21)
Websitencrtc.in
Route
Line(s) used8 (planned)
1 (partially commissioned)
On-board services
Class(es)Economy class
Business class
Women's class
Seating arrangements
  • Airline style
Observation facilitiesLarge windows for panoramic view
Entertainment facilities
Baggage facilitiesOverhead racks
Other facilities
Technical
Rolling stockNamo Bharat EMUs
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification25 kV 50 Hz AC Overhead line
Operating speed160–180 km/h (100–110 mph)
Average length384 metres (1,260 ft) (16 coaches)
192 metres (630 ft) (8 coaches)
Rake maintenanceDuhai Depot, Duhai, Uttar Pradesh

The RapidX[2][3][4] is an elevated rapid rail[5][6][7][8][9] system operated by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) in India's National Capital Region (NCR). The goal of the RapidX is to replace the conventional non-air-conditioned MEMU-operated local train network with an elevated rapid rail system.[10][11] The semi-high speed trainsets which are providing services on RapidX have been named as Namo Bharat and have an average speed of 100km/hr.[12]

Germany’s Deutsche Bahn will operate and maintain the entire Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut rapid rail transit corridor after winning bid value at estimated price of Rs 1500 crores for 12 years. [13]

History

The plan for a regional rapid transit service to connect Delhi with nearby towns was proposed in the late 1990s by Indian Railways. In 2006, When the Delhi Metro was expanding, the plan was under consideration as a part of Delhi Metro's expansion to nearby lying towns.[14] The government later formed National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) in 2013 to take up the implementation of eight planned Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS) that would decongest Delhi within the 100–200 km radius of the region.[10][15][16]

In October NCRTC branded RRTS services is inaugurated as RapidX[17] and the trainsets as Namo Bharat trainsets in October 2023.[18]

Features

Namo Bharat train flagged off during inauguration event

Integration

To provide commuters with convenient, seamless travel experiences, the three phase-1 RapidX corridors, Delhi – Ghaziabad – Meerut; Delhi – Panipat; and Delhi – Gurugram – SNB – Alwar, will converge at Delhi's Sarai Kale Khan and will be interoperable, in the sense that trains will be able to move from one corridor to another. This will facilitate commuter travel from one corridor station to another without requiring train changes, thus enabling commuters to leave their private vehicles and switch to the RapidX.[19][20]

RapidX stations will be integrated wherever possible with other modes of public transport, such as airports, Indian Railway stations, inter-state bus terminals, and Delhi Metro stations. Such integration will facilitate seamless commuter transfers from one mode of public transportation to another, thereby encouraging the use of public transport systems. While the RapidX will act as a backbone for regional transportation, Delhi Metro lines will complement the RapidX by acting as feeder lines. The Sarai Kale Khan RapidX station will be a mega-terminal where all three Phase-I RapidX corridors will merge.[19][20]

Multimodal integration of RapidX stations
RapidX stations Integration
Ghaziabad Shaheed Sthal metro station
New Ashok Nagar New Ashok Nagar metro station
Anand Vihar Anand Vihar metro station, Anand Vihar ISBT, UPSRTC bus depot (Kaushambi), and Anand Vihar Terminal railway station[21]
Sarai Kale Khan Hazrat Nizamuddin, Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, and ISBT Sarai Kale Khan
INA INA
Aerocity Indira Gandhi International Airport and Delhi Aerocity metro station
Udyog Vihar Proposed extension of Rapid Metro Gurgaon
Kherki Dhaula toll Proposed Bawal Metro and proposed bus terminus
Panchgao Proposed Bawal Metro, proposed ISBT, and proposed multimodal hub
Bawal Bawal bus stand

Ticketing

  • Digital QR code-based Ticket – The commuter can purchase the ticket using RapidX Connect mobile application.
  • National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) Card – The passengers can travel with any NCMC compliant card. One can purchase these cards from the ticket counter at the stations. This card can be recharged with a minimum value of Rs 100 up to a maximum value of Rs 2000.
  • Ticket Vending Machine (TVMs) – The TVMs cards are equipped with a credit/debit/prepaid card reader compliant with RuPay/Master/VISA standard for non-cash payment transactions in addition to Cash mode of Payment. The NCRTC has installed 4 TVMs each at Sahibabad and Ghaziabad and 2 TVMs each at Guldhar, Duhai and Duhai Depot.
  • Paper QR code-based journey ticket – One can generate this ticket via TVMs or bought from Ticket Counters at the stations.[22]

Facilities

One of the stations of RapidX

Business class: Each RapidX train will have a separate business coach. This will encourage business class commuters to switch to public transport for intercity travel.

Platform lounge: These premium lounges will be built at all the stations of the "high-speed" rail. These lounges will be reserved only for the business class passengers travelling via RRTS. [23]

Comfortable travel: The air-conditioned RapidX coaches will have transverse seating arrangements with overhead luggage space and Wi-Fi connections, among other modern amenities.

Women's coach: Each RapidX train will have a separate coach for women travellers, just like the Delhi Metro.

Universal accessibility: The entire infrastructure of the RapidX, including stations and trains, will be designed with universal accessibility in mind.

Wireless Railway Signaling System

Nokia partnered with Alstom to implement the 4.9G/LTE private wireless network to support the ETCS L2 signalling in Regional Rapid Transit System. This is a “world-first application” of an LTE network that is being used along with ETCS Level 2 signaling to provide high-speed, high-reliability commuter service. In addition, ETCS Level 2-based system allows trains to report their precise location in real-time.[24]

Cargo handling

In order to maximize the utilization of the RapidX system, the routes will also be used for moving cargo during non-peak hours. Goods such as perishable ones are expected to avail benefits from the service. It is expected to reduce the pollution footprint after decongesting the road between the two cities by taking out trucks. The trainset depots of the system are set to be equipped with warehouses and other cargo handling facilities.[25]

Technology

RapidX depot at Duhai

The NCRTC is implementing a state-of-the-art rail-based rapid transit system in the NCR with a design speed of 180 km/h. Such a design speed will necessarily require the installation of grade-separated tracks and the latest signalling and control systems to ensure high throughput and safe operation. The rolling stock (train cars) will be air-conditioned and capable of fast acceleration and deceleration in a very short time span. Traction power will be delivered through a uniquely designed 25 kV flexible overhead catenary traction system for elevated stations and a rigid overhead catenary system for tunnels.

Rolling stock

Namo Bharat Trains

The trains for the service were specially developed for a fast and comfortable regional commute. The lightweight stainless steel body of the Namo Bharat (trainset) train with aerodynamic nose allows for reducing air drag at higher speeds (180 km/h). The train was designed in Alstom's engineering centre in Hyderabad and was manufactured by Bombardier Transportation in Savli.[26]

Track and signalling

Ballastless track

A Slab Track Austria system, recognized for providing excellent riding comfort even at high speeds of 180 km/h. These tracks are being used in India for the first time. The tracks are also preferred for their longer life span, reduced maintenance requirements, and ease of replacement.[27]

ETCS Level 2 signalling system

The ETCS Level-2 signalling system is used globally for high-speed railway transit. The system is equipped with modern signalling with virtual blocks & ATO functionality over an LTE backbone and is being used for the first time in India. A key feature of the RRTS is the interoperability of all the corridors, and ETCS Level-2 makes this possible. The system can monitor train speed and direction and provide operational directives using a radio block centre. Use of a virtual block facilitated by ETCS Level-2 signalling eliminates any possibility of train collision.[28]

Construction technology

SPEED – Systematic Program Evaluation for Efficient Delivery of Project

SPEED is NCRTC's in-house, sophisticated, robust, reliable, and user-friendly monitoring and project management platform for reporting activities of the pre-construction and construction phases of the RRTS. SPEED leverages technological infrastructure frameworks such as JavaScript, PHP, etc.

Common Data Environment (CDE)

A CDE is implemented to maintain a common repository for all construction and pre-construction drawings and technical documents. It enables collaboration and sharing of updated information, documents, and drawings in real-time to achieve a single source of truth across an organization, manage the design, define and implement workflows, and monitor progress actions across the organization.[29][30]

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

BIM is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction professionals the insight and tools to effectively plan, design, construct, and manage buildings, infrastructure, and outdoor structures and elements. Project-related components like walls, doors, etc., are modelled in 3D using various BIM software. BIM offers a realistic 3D model, giving a true sense of how the actual structure will look. All the RRTS stations are currently being designed and developed using a BIM platform.[31]

Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS)

A CORS network system, including its control station, is being installed by the NCRTC to increase geolocation accuracy in the civil construction survey work. This system provides real-time, precise coordinates for measured locations and is capable of ensuring 5 – 10 mm accuracy in the geolocation of points, whereas regular GPS can only provide location accuracy of up to 10 to 15 metres. This eliminates cumulative errors in civil construction and results in better alignment, acting as a life cycle management solution for the project.

Network

Map showing the three proposed RapidX lines, along with Delhi Metro and Indian Railways services

Summary

The Delhi Meerut section of RRTS finally opened on 20th October 2023.

  Operational
  Approved
  Proposed

Route Locale Length Construction began Opening Notes
Delhi–Meerut Delhi and Uttar Pradesh 82 km (51 mi) January 2019 20 October 2023 Fully operational by 2025.[32]
Delhi–Alwar Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan 164 km (102 mi) TBD 2023 2025 Pre-construction works are underway.[33]
Ghaziabad Noida–Jewar Airport Delhi and Uttar Pradesh 72 km (45 mi) TBD 2028 Detailed Project Report (DPR) awaiting approval.[34]
Delhi–Panipat Delhi and Haryana 103 km (64 mi) TBD 2025 Detailed Project Report (DPR) awaiting approval.[35]
Hyderabad–Warangal Telangana TBD TBD TBD Proposed[36]
Hyderabad–Vijayawada Telangana and Andhra Pradesh TBD TBD TBD Proposed[36]
Vijaywada–Amaravati–Guntur–Tenali Andhra Pradesh TBD TBD TBD Proposed[37]

See also

References

  1. ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/rapid-rail-now-to-be-called-namo-bharat/articleshow/104568879.cms
  2. ↑ https://metrorailtoday.com/news/ncrtc-plans-to-link-delhi-meerut-rapidx-corridor-with-delhi-metros-red-line
  3. ↑ https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-inaugurates-delhi-meerut-rapid-rail-corridor-flags-off-rapidx-train-2451412-2023-10-20
  4. ↑ Bureau, The Hindu (2023-10-20). "PM Modi flags off country's first Namo Bharat train". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  5. ↑ https://www.timesnownews.com/india/why-rapid-rail-is-pm-modis-masterstroke-and-a-must-for-delhi-ncr-article-104627159
  6. ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/why-rapid-rail-is-right-fit-as-delhi-ncr-gets-bigger/articleshow/104619906.cms
  7. ↑ https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-noida-ghaziabad-residents-demand-connectivity-to-rrts-2452856-2023-10-24
  8. ↑ https://www.dnaindia.com/hindi/web-stories/viral/rapid-rail-stations-for-noida-delhi-ghaziabad-meerut-rapidx-namo-bharat-train-updates-1698155588366
  9. ↑ https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/real-estate/rapid-rail-inauguration-may-boost-property-prices-along-route-in-ghaziabad-11566181.html
  10. 1 2 "Overview – NCRTC". Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  11. ↑ "'Namo Bharat' RRTS trains to be ingaurated today, service from tomorrow". OnManorama. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
  12. ↑ https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/namo-bharat-no-limit-to-his-self-obsession-congress-targets-pm-modi-over-naming-of-rrts-trains/article67441425.ece
  13. ↑ Mishra, Twesh (2022-07-01). "Germany's Deutsche Bahn wins bid to operate and maintain Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut rapid rail". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
  14. ↑ "Regional Plan 2021 by National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB)". NCRPB (PDF). 17 September 2005.
  15. ↑ Sethi, Neha (2013-08-01). "Centre, states set up company to build rapid transit system for NCR". mint. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  16. ↑ "Fast Trains to NCR Towns under RRTS". Latest News on NCR-Delhi Realty & Infra Projects. 2010-11-17. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  17. ↑ "PM Modi flags off 'Namo Bharat', India's first regional rapid rail service; all you need to know". Business Today. 2023-10-20. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
  18. ↑ PTI (2023-10-20). "New RRTS trains to be known as 'NaMo Bharat'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2023-10-22. Trains of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, will be known as 'NaMo Bharat', Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Thursday.
  19. 1 2 "All RRTS corridors will be interoperable: NCRTC". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 24 August 2019. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  20. ↑ "UPSRTC". www.upsrtc.com. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  21. ↑ https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-delhi-ghaziabad-meerut-rrts-corridor-unveiling-the-fare-structure-timings-luggage-size-and-more-on-rapidx-service-3277059/
  22. ↑ https://www.livemint.com/news/india/rrts-train-business-class-passengers-can-access-premium-lounge-know-all-about-it-here-11653751929487.html
  23. ↑ https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/nokia-tests-mission-critical-voice-and-data-on-4-9g-private-wireless-network-for-ncrtc/93341322
  24. ↑ "Cargo to move at 180kmph on RAPIDX in non-peak hours". Times Of India. 29 May 2023.
  25. ↑ "Delhi-Meerut RRTS: Made in India trainset handed over for Phase 1 project". Financialexpress. 2022-05-08. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  26. ↑ "NCRTC to engage Ballastless Track Structure System Provider for RRTS". Urban Transport News. 13 August 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  27. ↑ "NCRTC to use hi-tech signalling for Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut section". www.outlookindia.com/. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  28. ↑ "ISO". www.iso.org. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  29. ↑ "NCRTC Rolls Out Wrench SmartProject as Their Common Data Environment in Record Time". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 17 October 2019. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  30. ↑ "Delegates from Asian Development Bank visits Delhi-Meerut RRTS project". Urban Transport News. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  31. ↑ "Ghaziabad: Four RRTS stations on 17km priority line to be ready by mid-March". Hindustan Times. 2023-02-25. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  32. ↑ "Pre-construction work begins on Delhi-Gurugram-SNB RRTS corridor". The Hindu. 2022-05-12. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2022-05-13.
  33. ↑ "Uttar Pradesh Greenlights Rs 1600 Crore Ghaziabad to Jewar RRTS Corridor, Connecting Noida Airport to NCR". News18. 2023-12-06. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  34. ↑ "Haryana RRTS projects not sanctioned by centre, says Union minister". Hindustan Times. 2023-03-14. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  35. 1 2 "Telangana to take up Regional Rapid Transit System". The New Indian Express. 18 February 2022.
  36. ↑ "Metro rail projects in Vijayawada and Vizag make little headway". The Hindu. 13 March 2022.
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