PM flags off country’s first Regional Rapid Transit System ‘Namo Bharat’
Context
At the nation’s inaugural Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) launch on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Namo Bharat train as a preview of India’s bright future.
What is the Namo Bharat train?
- India’s first semi-high-speed regional train service is the Namo Bharat train. It is a component of the National Capital Region’s Regional Rapid Transportation System (RRTS), a high-frequency, high-speed rail-based transportation network that links villages and cities.
- On October 20, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Namo Bharat train. It travels via the RRTS route New Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut.
- Formerly, the Namo Bharat train was called “RAPIDX.” Its purpose is to offer high-speed rail for commuter travel between cities.
What is the historical background behind the RRTS?
- Indian Railways came up with the concept of a regional rapid transit system to link Delhi with other towns in the late 1990s.
- The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) was established in 2013 to implement eight planned Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS) throughout the NCR to relieve traffic in the 100–200 km radius surrounding Delhi.
- The NCRTC rebranded RRTS services as “RapidX” in April 2023.
What is the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)?
A high-frequency, high-speed commuter transit system, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) was created to enhance transportation in urban and suburban areas, especially in places with dense populations and heavy traffic. The main goal of RRTS is to offer quick, practical, and efficient public transportation choices.
What are the features of the RRTS?
- High Speed: RRTS trains are made to run at fast speeds; they frequently surpass 100 km/h (62 mph) and occasionally even reach 180 km/h (112 mph). Faster point-to-point conveyance is made possible by this high-speed operation.
- High Frequency: The high-frequency services provided by RRTS systems are well-known. Because trains usually run at short intervals—every 15 minutes, for example—they are a dependable and convenient form of transportation.
- Regional Connectivity: Within a region, multiple urban and suburban areas can be connected through the use of RRTS networks. They frequently connect important towns or cities, enhancing accessibility and cutting down on travel times.
- Semi-High Speed: Because RRTS operates between high-speed rail and conventional commuter train, it is referred to as “semi-high speed.” Even if it travels quickly, it might not be able to match the pace of high-speed trains like the TGV in France or the Shinkansen in Japan.
- Amenities & Comfort: Passenger comfort is a priority in the design of RRTS trains. Usually, they provide contemporary conveniences like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, comfy seating, and spotless, well-kept carriages.
- Decreased journey Times: Reducing journey times between major cities and towns by a large margin is one of RRTS’s main objectives, which makes it a desirable substitute for road-based transportation.
What are the other benefits of Namo Bharat?
- Integration: The RRTS routes are made to be interoperable, enabling trains to travel between them and making commuter transfers easier.
- Multimodal Integration: RRTS stations would be connected to airports, Indian Railway stations, interstate bus terminals, and Delhi Metro stations, among other public transportation options.
- Facilities: There are several classes available on the trains, such as business and women’s coaches. They offer conveniences like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and room for overhead luggage.
- Handling of freight: To ease traffic during off-peak hours, freight will be moved via the RRTS system.
Conclusion:
The “Namo Bharat Train” is probably a major part of the RRTS project, which intends to offer quick and safe transit choices in India’s National Capital Region.
