The first trainset of India’s first RRTS was handed over on 7th May, 2022 to NCRTC at the manufacturing factory located in Savli, Gujarat. Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary MoHUA and Chairman NCRTC began the process of trainset rollout with the click of a button in the presence of Shri Vinay Kumar Singh, MD, NCRTC, along with other dignitaries of NCRTC and Alstom, who flagged off the trainset. Subsequently, MD, Alstom, handed over the ceremonial keys of the first RRTS trainset to MD, NCRTC. With this roll-out, the delivery of the trainsets has started and the first trainset will soon arrive at Duhai Depot, Ghaziabad.
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, sent his best wishes and felicitations through a video message for this occasion.
In his message, Shri Puri said, “It is a proud moment for all of us as this project is a true manifestation of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. RRTS is a harbinger of transformation in urban mobility. We will usher in a new era by boarding and travelling in this modern, technologically advanced regional rail as it will transform the landscape of regional transit as we know it. It is also going to create a plethora of opportunities, enabling balanced and sustainable growth of the region. This is just the beginning of India’s journey of Regional Rails with two more RRTS corridors planned in the 1st phase itself. Work on them will also be taken up shortly and once completed it will create a network of networks connecting all the major hubs of NCR. My compliments to NCRTC and Alstom team for their perseverance and dedicated efforts even during the pandemic to achieve this significant milestone of the project and congratulate them on this pivotal occasion”.
“To make the vision of New India come true, India’s first RRTS has been designed to fulfil the aspirations of the people of the National Capital Region. It will set a benchmark in the field of transportation. What makes this project even more special is that under the Make in India guidelines the design of these 30 RRTS ultra-modern Trains has been completed indigenously in Hyderabad and all of the trainsets are getting manufactured at Savli, Gujarat. With multi-modal integration at its core principle, RRTS is going to be a faster, comfortable, safe, reliable, punctual, and affordable mode of transit. I am happy to see this project coming up on schedule and congratulate the team of NCRTC”, said Chairman, NCRTC.
Speaking on this occasion, Shri Vinay Kumar Singh said, “It is an important milestone, as one by one we will now witness all our efforts and planning for this transformative project taking shape and becoming a reality on the ground. These state-of-the-art trainsets with modern commuter-centric amenities are yet another example of what we can achieve within the country with a strategic approach, hard work and dedication. Along with the bundled contract for supply & comprehensive maintenance of trainsets awarded to Alstom, we have now finalised the selection process of a private O&M Partner for a long-term operation and maintenance contract of the Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor. The successful operation of these two contracts will bring a paradigm shift in the railway industry in the country. With the help of all the advanced technologies we are using and a team of committed, hard-working professionals who persisted day and night to make this project come true, we are in a position to complete this project on schedule and will begin the trial runs in a few months”.
More details:
- M/s Alstom has been awarded the contract as per which they would be delivering 40 trainsets, including 10 three-car trainsets for Meerut Metro, bundled with rolling stock maintenance for 15 years. The contract also includes designing, supplying, installing, testing, and commissioning Signalling and Train Control, Supervision, Platform Screen Doors, and Telecommunication Systems for the entire Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor. The delivery of these semi-high-speed aerodynamic trainsets has started with this rollout. NCRTC will begin trial runs on the Priority Section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor shortly.
- The trainsets, with their sleek and modern design, will be lightweight equipped with a regenerative braking system and compatible with Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Automatic Train Control (ATC), and Automatic Train Operations (ATO). The regenerative braking system is an important feature of these trains, which generates electricity when the brakes are applied and the power goes back to the electric grid through the overhead traction of the train system.
- The RRTS trains have ergonomically designed 2×2 transverse seating, wide standing space, luggage racks, CCTV cameras, laptop/mobile charging facility, dynamic route maps, auto control ambient lighting system, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) and other amenities. The air-conditioned RRTS trains will have Standard as well as Premium class (one coach per train) along with one coach reserved for women commuters.
- RRTS is the first-of-its-kind system in which trains, with a design speed of 180 kmph, will be available every 5 – 10 minutes and cover the distance between Delhi and Meerut in 55 minutes.
- NCRTC has taken the initiative of building a huge network of networks by seamlessly connecting the various public transit systems in NCR. With Multi-Modal-Integration, RRTS stations will have seamless integration with Metro stations, railway stations, and bus depots, wherever possible. Once operational, the first RRTS corridor is estimated to reduce ~2,50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide in vehicular emissions per year. With an expected daily ridership of around 8 lakh passengers, RRTS will be the most energy-efficient futuristic transit system.
Other Commuter-Centric Features of the Country’s First RRTS Trainsets
- Aerodynamic profile with long nose and plug-in-doors to reduce air drag at higher speeds.
- Fully air-conditioned cars with wide gangways for commuters’ maximum space for easy entry and exit. Large window glasses with tint will give panoramic views.
- Ergonomically designed 2X2 transverse seating, cushioned seats.
- One Premium Class car on every train to give a new level of comfort, convenience, and user-friendliness. Will have wider seats with more legroom, and coat hangers. Equipped with vending machine facility.
- Energy efficient, auto control ambient lighting system.
- CCTV monitoring, Indoor and Outdoor Surveillance systems
- Modern Passenger Announcement and Digital Passenger Information System (PAPIS), emergency communication facilities
- Onboard Wi-Fi
- Provision of wheelchair space for differently-abled and stretcher space for emergency medical transit
- Compatible with advanced ETCS Level II Signalling, Automatic Train Operations and Platform Screen Doors (PSD) for improved safety
- Design and Manufacturing based on International Safety Standards
- Appropriate SIL level based on safety and hazard assessment as per International Standards
- Fire detection system for internal and external fire
- Monitoring of Axle box temperature with Wayside equipment
Source and Image credits: NCRTC
