PM to Launch India’s First Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is scheduled to inaugurate the priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor at the Sahibabad RapidX Station in Uttar Pradesh on October 20, 2023. 

He will also flag off the first RapidX train connecting Sahibabad to Duhai Depot during the inauguration ceremony. This will mark India's official launch of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).

Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor

The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor, which includes a 17 Km priority section, will soon be inaugurated. The section will connect Sahibabad to 'Duhai Depot' with Ghaziabad, Guldhar, and Duhai stations. 

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for this corridor on March 8, 2019. 

• The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project is being developed to transform regional connectivity in the country by constructing new, world-class transport infrastructure in line with the Prime Minister's vision.

About Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) 

• The RRTS is a new rail-based, semi-high-speed, high-frequency commuter transit system. 
• Its design speed is 180 Kmph, and it's a transformational regional development initiative that aims to provide high-speed trains every 15 minutes for intercity commuting. The frequency can go up to every 5 minutes as per requirement. 
• The RRTS being developed in the country is a state-of-the-art regional mobility solution comparable to the best in the world. 
• It will provide safe, reliable, and modern intercity commuting solutions in the country. In line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the RRTS network will integrate extensively with railway stations, metro stations, bus services, etc. 
• Such transformative regional mobility solutions will boost economic activity in the region, provide improved access to employment, education, and healthcare opportunities, and help significantly reduce vehicular congestion and air pollution.
• A total of eight RRTS corridors have been identified to be developed in NCR, out of which three corridors have been prioritised to be implemented in Phase-I, including Delhi – Ghaziabad – Meerut Corridor; Delhi – Gurugram – SNB – Alwar Corridor and Delhi – Panipat Corridor. 
• The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS is being developed at a cost of more than Rs 30,000 crore and will connect Delhi to Meerut in less than an hour of travel time going through the urban centres of Ghaziabad, Muradnagar, and Modinagar.

How is RRTS Different from Metro?

• Type: The metro is a public transportation system that operates in the national capital. At the same time, an RRTS train is designed to provide faster and more convenient travel between various cities surrounding the national capital.
• Speed: The RRTS trains are specially designed to run at a speed of 180 kilometres per hour, covering a distance of up to 100 kilometres in just 60 minutes. In contrast, the Delhi Metro trains operate at 80 kilometres per hour.
• Distance: RRTS trains are primarily designed to cater to the needs of passengers looking to travel long distances at a fast and comfortable pace. On the other hand, the metro is designed to connect various areas within the national capital and its nearby cities.