Daily News Analysis

REGIONAL RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM (RRTS)

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  1. RRTS is India’s first mass rapid system dedicated to regional connectivity.
  2. It is capable of running at speeds up to 180 km/hour with semi high-speed rail connectivity at its core.
  3. The integrated, mass transit network aims to ensure “balanced and sustainable urban development” through better connectivity and access across the NCR.
  4. The RRTS also known as Namo Bharat has been constructed by a joint venture company of the Central government (NCRTC) and the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
  5. When compared with metros, the RRTS network is faster and helps to travel relatively longer distances across the NCR in a short time.
  6. Compared with the Indian Railways, though the RRTS train will cover relatively smaller distances, it offers higher frequency and more comfort.

Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project:

  • RRTS is a rail-based regional transit system being developed to connect various cities in India's National Capital Region (NCR) for faster and more efficient mobility. 
  • The project aims to build high-speed rail corridors connecting Delhi with Meerut, Panipat, Alwar, and other major NCR cities. The corridors will have a design speed of 180 kmph and an operating speed of 160 kmph.
  • RRTS is being implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a joint venture of the Government of India and states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
  • The first RRTS corridor being constructed is the 82 km Delhi-Meerut corridor. It will have 24 stations and is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut to around 60 minutes from the current 3-4 hours by road. 
  • The corridors will be constructed on a fast-track basis using precast segment technology for timely completion. The Delhi-Meerut RRTS is scheduled to commence operations in 2023.
  • RRTS trains will have business class and economy class coaches. The system is designed for a peak hour capacity of 40,000 passengers per hour per direction.
  • Advanced systems like communications-based train control (CBTC), platform screen doors, baggage X-ray scanners, etc. will be implemented on the RRTS network. 
  • The estimated cost of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor is around Rs 30,000 crores. The entire RRTS network covering Delhi NCR is expected to cost over Rs 1 lakh crore.

Key details about Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project:

  • Rolling stock: The trains will consist of 6 cars with a total length of 72 meters and width of 3.2 meters. The maximum operating speed will be 160 kmph. The trains are being supplied by Bombardier Transportation.
  • Traction and power supply: The RRTS corridors will be electrified with a 25kV AC overhead catenary system. Power requirements are estimated at about 50 MW. Substations will be built along the routes to feed power.
  • Signaling system: The RRTS network will have the latest Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system provided by Thales Group. This will help manage train movements efficiently and allow higher frequency operations.
  • Track system: RRTS uses standard gauge tracks suitable for high speeds. Special heat-resistant rails, concrete sleepers and elastic fastening system will be used to withstand high temperatures and speeds. 
  • Safety and security: Safety features like platform screen doors, fire & smoke detection systems, emergency braking system will be implemented. CCTV surveillance, baggage screening systems will be deployed for security.
  • Integration with other transport modes: RRTS stations will provide smooth intermodal integration with metro trains, buses, taxis, private vehicles for last mile connectivity. Parking lots are also being built.
  • Economic impact: RRTS is expected to reduce traffic congestion and drive economic growth in NCR. Significant savings in travel time costs are projected. Tourism, real estate, commercial activity will also be boosted.
  • Future expansion: In the second phase, four additional RRTS corridors linking Delhi with Panipat, Sonepat, Gurugram, Rewari, and other cities are planned. The total network span will be around 800 km.

How RRTS(Regional Rapid Transit System) different from metro rail systems:

  • Speed: RRTS is designed for much higher speeds of 160-180 kmph compared to metro trains which typically have maximum speeds of 80-90 kmph. This allows RRTS to connect cities farther away from each other.

  • Inter-city connectivity: RRTS provides high-speed connectivity between cities of a region. Metro rails are designed for intra-city mobility.

  • Distance between stations: RRTS stations are farther apart - 5-10 km compared to around 1-2 km for metro stations. This enables faster travel between stations.

  • Types of coaches: RRTS will have economy and business class coaches. Metros usually have only one class of coach.

  • Frequency: RRTS trains will operate at frequencies of 5-10 minutes. Metro trains often operate at 2-5 minute intervals to serve dense city routes.

  • Carrying capacity: RRTS is planned for peak hour peak direction capacity of 40,000 passengers. Metros can carry 50,000-70,000 passengers per hour per direction.

  • Alignment: RRTS corridors use separate alignments with very limited at-grade crossings. Metros often share right of way and have more at-grade crossings.

  • Standards: RRTS uses higher standards and specifications for track, signaling, rolling stock etc to enable high speeds. Metros have relatively lower standards suitable for urban operations.

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