RRTS: A swift, inclusive and convenient System

A robust, swift and efficient transport system is vital for an economy to grow. Smooth transportation cuts short the travel time and hassles of traffic congestion. The concept of a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is an answer. Envisioned by Hon'ble PM Sri Narendra Modi the concept of RRTS is comparatively new in India. The system, part of the "Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti" program, would likely change the scenario of commutation across a region. While presenting Anual Budget 2022-23, Hon’ble Finance Minister Ms Nirmala Sitaraman announced that 07 engines would collectively drive the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti programme and give impedance to the economy. She spelt out these 07 engines as Road, Rail, Airways, Ports, Mass transport, Logistic infra and Waterways.

The major areas of Haryana, fringes of North-West Uttar Pradesh and two districts Alwar and Bharatpur of Rajasthan, all that encapsulate Delhi form the NCR area. To-and-fro connectivity to these places is daunting. Keeping this, NCRTC (National Capital Region Transport Corporation) came up with the idea of RRTS, which would give dynamic movement facilities to the people residing in NCR and Delhi. At first sight, it appears like an extended form of the Metro Rail system, but it is not.?

RRTS is different from the Metro rail system in the sense that it gives intracity connectivity service, linking various places within the city boundaries. The RRTS, on the other hand, would provide interstate point-to-point connectivity by semi-high-speed carriage cars. An RRTS carriage runs on the track at a speed of 180 kmph. The dedicated route enables it to move at a maintained speed, estimated to be 100 kmph, without hindrance.

The first phase of the project is precisely 82.15 Kilometers of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut route; the system is expected to be operational by the year 2025. The first 17 Km stretch from Sahibabad to Duhai in Uttar Pradesh, however, is expected to be operational by June this year. Starting from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi the system would ferry about 8 lakh commuters per day between Delhi and Meerut. The train will reach Meerut within an hour without fuss and entangling in the traffic snarls. The comfortable and swift commutation would considerably decrease the amount of stress and travel time of commuters who use their vehicle to commute to and fro between the two interstate stations. It would ease the burden on the road besides polluting traffic congestion and money saving on the fuel cost. As reported, the train with the capacity to ferry about 1500 passengers would consist of 06 coaches expandable up to 09 in future as per requirement. Besides seating comfort, there would be an onboard Wi-Fi facility and charging ports on each seat to charge mobile phones/laptop computers.

The multi-modal transportation gives options to commuters and a sense of competitiveness among the operators on a level playing field. It enhances transparency and choice for the users. Apart from relieving road congestion, cacophony and frustration arising out of chaos, RRTS would help mitigate air pollution by reducing vehicular and estimated 2,50,000 tons of gaseous carbon emissions per year. It would be self-sustaining and run majorly on in-house produced solar energy. Combined with direct power, the RRTS system would generate electricity by roof-top solar energy and power saving through regenerative braking.?

With the increased world-class infrastructure and varied modes of transportation, the economy is seen on that launch pad, ready to take off.