India’s first Regional Rail, RAPIDX, is a one-of-a-kind transit system being implemented for regional commutes. Its first corridor is 82 km long and under construction between Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut.
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A 17 km long section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot is the Priority Section, which will be started for passenger operation from 21.10.2023 after the inauguration. This section has five stations, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai and Duhai Depot.
With an operational speed of 160 kmph, these fully-air conditioned RAPIDX trains will have a host of commuter-centric features for a safe and comfortable regional commute like 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 RAPIDX trains will be operational between 06:00 am to 11:00 pm. The First Train in both directions will commence operations at 06:00 am and the Last Train to Depart from stations in both directions will be at 11:00 pm.
To begin with, a train will be available every 15 minutes, though the system can further increase the frequency on a requirement basis.
Every RAPIDX train has 6 coaches with the capacity to carry about 1700 commuters including both seating and standing space for the commuters. There are 72 seats available per Standard Coach and 62 seats in the Premium Coach.
One coach in every RAPIDX train is reserved for women, it is the coach next to the premium coach. Also, seats are reserved in the other coaches of the train for women, specially-abled and senior citizens in each coach.
Each RAPIDX train will also have one Premium coach with a host of additional commuter-centric features like reclining seats, coat hooks, magazine holders and footrests. The first coach moving towards Meerut from Delhi and the last coach moving towards Delhi from Meerut will be the Premium Coach.
Entry to the Premium Coach will be accessible only through a Premium Lounge made at the Platform level. Equipped with comfortable cushioned seats, it will have the facility of a vending machine from where snacks or drinks can be bought.
In every RAPIDX train, a Train Attendant will be deputed who will play an important role in acquainting the commuters with the facilities available on the train and ensuring their safe and secure commute. He/she will be stationed in the Premium coach and will assist the commuters in need.
There are various ticketing options available for commuters:
Paper QR code-based journey ticket – Can be generated via Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) or bought from the Ticket counters at the RAPIDX stations.
Ticket Vending Machine- Unified Payments Interface (UPI) enabled ticket vending machines have been installed to purchase paper QR tickets and recharge the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). Passengers can use bank notes, bank cards, National Common Mobility Cards and UPI to buy tickets from TVM.
National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) Card – Aligned with the Government of India’s “One Nation, One Card” vision, the RAPIDX commuter card is a National Common Mobility Card which allows the usage of one card in all transit systems and anywhere card payment is feasible. The RRTS system will allow commuters to use any NCMC card from the first day of operations for travelling.
- Digital QR code-based Ticket through NCRTC Mobile Application, ‘RAPIDX Connect’.
- In case encountered with any ticketing-related problems, commuters can ask for help at the Customer Care Centre established near the AFC gate.
- To facilitate smooth travel in the RAPIDX trains, a designated space for wheelchairs and stretchers has been provided in the last coach of the train.
Commuters will get to know the expected time of arrival of the next train on the electronic public display at the station platform. Regular announcements about the train’s arrival and other important information will also be made at the station at regular intervals.
- Seats have been provided at the platform level for commuters to sit while waiting for the train.
- Drinking water and washroom facilities have been provided in the paid area of the concourse level at every station.
- Keeping in mind the convenience of commuters travelling with young children, a diaper-changing station has been provided in the women’s washroom at every station.
Commuters can obtain information about train services from the Information Desk at the RAPIDX stations. Also, such information will be available via the ‘RAPIDX Connect’ mobile application and RAPIDX social media platforms. Alternatively, the RAPIDX Customer Service Centre can be contacted at 08069651515.
- First Aid facility is available at all RAPIDX stations. For any medical emergency, ambulance service can also be arranged through CATS.
- A Lost & Found Center is dedicatedly established in RAPIDX to deal in Lost & Found articles. Any Lost item can be collected from the same station within 24 hours.
- In the case of loss/found of an item, staff at the nearest RAPIDX station/train can be contacted.
For the priority section, A Lost & Found Center is located at Ghaziabad RAPIDX Station, working hours for which are from 8 am to 8 pm. The information about lost and found items will also be available on the RAPIDX Connect app.
Commuters can use the direct Help Call Point at the Concourse/Platform level to get in touch with the station authorities in the event of an emergency.
Passenger Emergency Communication Units are provided in each coach of the RAPIDX Trains. By operating this, the problem can be informed to the Train Operator. Staff will provide/arrange prompt assistance. Passengers can also avail emergency support via the RAPIDX Connect mobile application.
Every RRTS station is equipped with Platform Screen Doors (PSD) from the first day of operations. The Platform Screen Doors will be integrated with RRTS train doors and the signalling system. The train will run only after both the PSDs and the doors of the train are closed. It will help in preventing unforeseen incidents and will also reduce the risk of accidents to negligible.
For the first time, state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled Door Frame Metal Detector (DFMD) is being used for the security screening of commuters at RRTS stations. This system, by screening the commuters, will help prevent any suspicious item from reaching the station.
The luggage scanners installed at the station entry gates are also equipped with artificial intelligence. These scanners have a dual-view generator X-ray baggage inspection system that will enable the dual screening of the luggage passing through the scanner. The images of both the upper and lower parts of the bag will appear on the computer screen. If any suspicious or prohibited item is scanned in the bag of a commuter, the conveyor belt will automatically stop.
The Security Control Centre (SCC) at the Depot is a crucial element for the safe and smooth commute of people. It monitors the entire section of the Priority Section 24×7 through the CCTV cameras, gathers information and ensures quick response by contacting the respective stations, field officers, local units etc. where required in undesired situations. Closed circuit TV screens will be installed in the stations through which CCTV footage will be visible to the commuters.
- The Government of Uttar Pradesh has entrusted the responsibility of security of all the stations in the state to the Uttar Pradesh Special Security Force (UPSSF) and in Delhi security at the stations will be ensured by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
- The Government of Uttar Pradesh has also made a provision for a police station in Ghaziabad and Meerut for RAPIDX. Moreover, the provision of a police post at every RAPIDX station has also been made to ensure security at the stations.
- The interior walls of the station are adorned with beautiful wall murals. These hand-painted paintings have transformed the station interior into a vibrant and alluring environment. The beauty of these murals provides commuters with a moment of solace in their busy lives.
In a unique step to decongest the area around stations and to avoid traffic jams outside the station, instead of making the entry/exit of the station on the main carriageway, these are made on the sides and a dedicated passage has been made on both sides of the road. Entry to this dedicated passageway for entry/exit is also given from the service lane to discourage the stopping of vehicles on the main carriageway. It intends to avoid any kind of obstruction to the fast-moving traffic on the main roads or highways.
Multiple entry/exits have been provided on both sides of the roads at every RRTS station and a Foot Over Bridge is provided to provide connectivity and accessibility to the station. This will not only enhance the accessibility for commuters intending to travel from RAPIDX but will also help passengers safely cross over busy roads.
Well-lit dedicated station pick-up and drop areas have been created at the entry/exit of the stations, away from the main carriageway to avoid congestion near the stations. Further, to manage the traffic and for the smooth and orderly movement of vehicles in and around the station, additional drive-in space for vehicles is also being created by integrating traffic wherever possible.
- For the convenience of the commuters reaching the station by their own vehicles, parking facilities have also been at the stations wherever possible.
- Pedestrian-friendly paths, lifts/escalators, seating areas and other commuter-centric amenities will facilitate universal access at the stations.
Recognizing the crucial role that the final stretch of a journey plays in ensuring a seamless commute experience, NCRTC has entered into an agreement with two mobility operators to provide Para Transit-based Feeder services, who will operate Electric Auto Rickshaws from RRTS stations. Subsequently, with an increase in demand, these operators will deploy other bigger-size vehicles as per requirements.
To ensure comprehensive coverage of the surrounding regions, these mobility partners have outlined tentative routes from each of the priority section stations. These routes will extend over approximately 9 kilometres, encompassing not only urban areas like Raj Nagar Extension, Jagriti Vihar, and GDA Colony but also vital village communities such as Bikanpur, Milak Chakarpur, Shahpur Nij Morta, Basantpur Senthali, and Atour Nagla.
This move aims to bridge the last mile gap between destinations and public transit, effectively addressing the long-standing challenges faced by commuters due to inadequate or unavailability of transportation options.
Source: NCRTC- Press Release | Images Credit (representational): NCRTC
