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RapidX

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RapidX [1]
Overview
Service typeElevated rapid rail
StatusPartially operational
First service20 October 2023; 13 months ago (2023-10-20)
Current operator(s)Deutsche Bahn
Websitencrtc.in
Route
Line(s) used8 (planned)
1 (partially commissioned)
On-board services
Class(es)Economy class
Business class
Women's class
Seating arrangements
  • Airline-style
Observation facilitiesLarge windows for panoramic view
Entertainment facilities
Baggage facilitiesOverhead racks
Other facilities
Technical
Rolling stockNamo Bharat trainset
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification25 kV 50 Hz AC Overhead line
Operating speed160–180 km/h (100–110 mph)
Average length384 metres (1,260 ft) (16 coaches)
192 metres (630 ft) (8 coaches)
Rake maintenanceDuhai Depot, Duhai, Uttar Pradesh

The RapidX[2][3][4] is a rapid rail[5][6][7][8][9] system operated by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) in India's National Capital Region (NCR). The objective of RapidX is to replace the conventional non-air-conditioned MEMU-operated local train network with a rapid rail system.[10][11] The semi-high-speed trainsets operating on RapidX are named Namo Bharat and have an average speed of 100 km/h (62 mph).[12]

Germany’s Deutsche Bahn has won the contract to operate and maintain the entire Delhi–Meerut rapid rail transit corridor for 12 years, with a bid valued at approximately ₹1,500 crores (roughly US$178 million). [13]

History

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The proposal for a regional rapid transit service to connect Delhi with nearby towns was floated in the late 1990s by Indian Railways. In 2006, with the ongoing expansion of the Delhi Metro, the plan was under consideration as a part of Delhi Metro's expansion to towns in the vicinity.[14] In 2013, the Government of India established the National Capital Region Transport Corporation to implement eight planned Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS) aimed at decongesting Delhi and its surrounding areas within a 100–200 km (62–124 mi) radius.[10][15][16]

In October 2023, NCRTC branded the RRTS services RapidX[17] and the trainsets Namo Bharat.[18]

Features

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Namo Bharat train launched at an inauguration event

Integration

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To ensure a convenient and seamless travel experience for commuters, the three Phase-1 RapidX corridors—Delhi-Meerut, Delhi-Panipat, and Delhi-Alwar—will converge at Delhi's Sarai Kale Khan station. These corridors will be interoperable, allowing trains to move freely between them. This interoperability will enable commuters to travel between stations on different corridors without changing trains, encouraging a shift from private vehicles to the RapidX network.[19][20]

RapidX stations will be integrated with other modes of public transport wherever feasible, including airports, railway stations of the Indian Railway network, inter-state bus terminals, and Delhi Metro stations. This integration aims to ensure seamless commuter transfers between different modes of transportation, encouraging greater reliance on public transit systems. While RapidX will serve as the backbone of regional transportation across the National Capital Region, Delhi Metro lines will complement it by functioning as feeder lines. The Sarai Kale Khan RapidX station will serve as a mega-terminal where all three Phase-I RapidX corridors converge, further enhancing connectivity.[19][20]

Multimodal integration of RapidX stations
RapidX stations Integration
Ghaziabad Logo of the Delhi Metro Red Line Shaheed Sthal
New Ashok Nagar Logo of the Delhi Metro Blue Line New Ashok Nagar
Anand Vihar Logo of the Delhi Metro Blue Line Anand Vihar

Bus interchangeAnand Vihar ISBT

Bus interchangeUPSRTC bus depot (Kaushambi)

Anand Vihar Terminal[21]

Sarai Kale Khan Logo of the Delhi Metro Pink Line Sarai Kale Khan Nizamuddin

Hazrat Nizamuddin

Bus interchange Sarai Kale Khan ISBT

INA Logo of the Delhi Metro Pink Line Dilli Haat – INA
Aerocity Airport interchangeIndira Gandhi International Airport

Logo of the Delhi Metro Airport ExpressGolden Line Delhi Aerocity

Udyog Vihar Proposed extension of Rapid Metro Gurgaon
Kherki Dhaula toll Bus interchangeProposed bus terminus
Panchgao Bus interchangeProposed ISBT

Bus interchangeProposed multimodal hub

Bawal Bus interchangeBawal bus stand

Ticketing

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  • Digital QR code-based Ticket – Commuters can purchase tickets using the RapidX Connect mobile application.
  • National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) Card – The passengers can travel with any NCMC compliant card. One can purchase these cards from the ticket counter at the stations. This card can be recharged with a minimum value of ₹100 up to a maximum value of ₹2000.
  • Ticket Vending Machine (TVMs) – The TVMs are equipped with credit/debit/prepaid card readers compliant with the RuPay, Mastercard, and Visa standards for digital transactions in addition to payment through cash. The NCRTC has installed 4 TVMs each at Sahibabad and Ghaziabad and 2 TVMs each at Guldhar, Duhai and Duhai Depot.
  • Paper QR code-based journey ticket – One can generate this ticket via TVMs or purchase them from the ticket counters at located at the stations.[22]

Facilities

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Each station features a premium lounge with exclusive AFC gates, accessible with a premium ticket, along with a dedicated premium coach on every train
Ghaziabad RapidX station

Business class: Each RapidX train will have a separate business coach. This will encourage business class commuters to switch to public transport for intercity travel.

Premium lounge: These premium lounges will be built at every station of the network. These lounges will be reserved for business class passengers commuting via the RRTS.[23]

Comfortable travel: The air-conditioned RapidX coaches will have transverse seating arrangements with overhead luggage space and Wi-Fi connectivity, among other modern amenities.

Women's coach: Each RapidX train will have a separate coach for women travellers, just like the Delhi Metro.

Universal accessibility: The entire infrastructure of the RapidX, including stations and trains, will be designed with universal accessibility in mind.

Wireless Railway Signaling System

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Nokia partnered with Alstom to implement the 4.9G/LTE private wireless network to support the ETCS L2 signalling for the RRTS. This is a "world-first application" of an LTE network integrated with ETCS Level 2 signaling, enabling high-speed and highly reliable commuter services. Additionally, the ETCS Level 2 system allows trains to provide real-time updates of their precise location.[24]

Cargo handling

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To optimize the utilization of the RapidX system, the routes will also be used for transporting cargo during non-peak hours, with a focus on goods like perishables that can benefit significantly from the service. This initiative is expected to reduce pollution by decongesting roads between cities and decreasing the number of trucks in transit. Additionally, the system's trainset depots will be equipped with warehouses and other facilities to handle cargo efficiently.[25]

Technology

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RapidX depot at Duhai

The NCRTC is developing a cutting-edge rail-based rapid transit system in the National Capital Region, designed for a maximum speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). Achieving this speed requires grade-separated tracks and advanced signaling and control systems to ensure high capacity and safe operations. The rolling stock will feature air-conditioned train cars with rapid acceleration and deceleration capabilities. Traction power will be supplied through a specially designed system: a 25 kV flexible overhead catenary system for elevated sections and a rigid overhead catenary system for tunnels.[citation needed]

Rolling stock

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Namo Bharat trainset
Meerut South station

The trains for the service were specifically designed for fast and comfortable regional commutes. The lightweight stainless steel body of the Namo Bharat trainsets, combined with their aerodynamic nose design, minimizes air drag at high speeds of up to 180 km/h (112 mph). The trainsets were engineered at Alstom's design center in Hyderabad and manufactured by Bombardier Transportation in Savli.[26]

Track and signalling

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Ballastless track

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Further information: Ballastless track

The Slab Track Austria system, known for delivering exceptional riding comfort even at high speeds of 180 km/h (112 mph), is being used in India for the first time. These tracks are favoured for their durability, reduced maintenance needs, and ease of replacement.[27]

ETCS Level 2 signalling system

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Further information: European Train Control System

The ETCS Level-2 signaling system, widely used globally for high-speed railway transit, is being implemented in India for the first time. This advanced system features modern signaling with virtual blocks and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) functionality over an LTE backbone. A standout feature of the RRTS is the interoperability across all corridors, enabled by ETCS Level-2. The system monitors train speed and direction while providing operational directives via a radio block center. The use of virtual blocks eliminates the possibility of train collisions, ensuring enhanced safety and efficiency.[28]

Construction technology

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Systematic Program Evaluation for Efficient Delivery of Project (SPEED)

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SPEED is NCRTC's in-house, advanced, and user-friendly platform designed for monitoring and managing the reporting of activities during the pre-construction and construction phases of the RRTS. This robust and reliable system is built on modern technological frameworks, including JavaScript and PHP.[citation needed]

Common Data Environment (CDE)

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A Common Data Environment (CDE) has been implemented to serve as a centralized repository for all construction and pre-construction drawings and technical documents. It facilitates real-time collaboration and sharing of updated information, ensuring a single source of truth across the organization. The CDE enables efficient management of design processes, defines and implements workflows, and monitors progress and actions throughout the organization.[29][30]

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

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Further information: Building information modeling

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that provides architecture, engineering, and construction professionals with the insights and tools needed to efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings, infrastructure, and other structures. Project components, such as walls and doors, are modeled in 3D using BIM software, offering a realistic representation of how the final structure will appear. All RRTS stations are currently being designed and developed using the BIM platform.[31]

Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS)

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The NCRTC is installing a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network system, including a control station, to enhance geolocation accuracy for civil construction surveys. This system delivers real-time, highly precise coordinates with an accuracy of 5–10 mm, compared to the 10–15 meters typically provided by standard GPS. By eliminating cumulative errors in geolocation, the CORS network ensures better alignment during construction and serves as a comprehensive life cycle management solution for the project.[citation needed]

Network

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Summary

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  Operational
  Approved
  Proposed

Route Locale Length Construction began Opening Notes Map
Delhi–Meerut Delhi and Uttar Pradesh 82 km (51 mi) January 2019 20 October 2023 Fully operational by 2025.[32] Map
Delhi–Alwar Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan 164 km (102 mi) TBD 2024 TBD Pre-construction works are underway.[33]
Ghaziabad-Jewar Delhi and Uttar Pradesh 72 km (45 mi) TBD 2028 Detailed Project Report (DPR) awaiting approval.[34]
Delhi–Panipat Delhi and Haryana 103 km (64 mi) TBD 2025 Detailed Project Report (DPR) awaiting approval.[35]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Rapid rail now to be called Namo Bharat". The Times of India. 20 October 2023.
  2. ^ "NCRTC plans to link Delhi-Meerut RapidX Corridor with Delhi Metro's Red Line | Metro Rail Today". Metro Rail Today: Gateway to Rail & Metro Industry. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  3. ^ "PM launches first rapid rail Delhi-Meerut corridor, rides on 'Namo Bharat' train". India Today. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  4. ^ Bureau, The Hindu (2023-10-20). "PM Modi flags off country's first Namo Bharat train". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2023-10-21. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ "Why Rapid Rail Is PM Modi's Masterstroke And A Must For Delhi-NCR". TimesNow. 2023-10-22. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  6. ^ "Why rapid rail is right fit as Delhi-NCR gets bigger". The Times of India. 2023-10-22. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  7. ^ "Noida, Ghaziabad residents demand direct connectivity to rapid rail corridor". India Today. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  8. ^ "Rapid Rail के इन स्टेशनों से मिनटों में पहुंच जाएंगे नोएडा". DNA India (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  9. ^ "Rapid rail inauguration may boost property prices along route in Ghaziabad". Moneycontrol. 2023-10-20. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  10. ^ a b "Overview – NCRTC". Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  11. ^ "'Namo Bharat' RRTS trains to be ingaurated today, service from tomorrow". OnManorama. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
  12. ^ "NaMo Bharat | 'No limit to his self-obsession': Congress targets PM Modi over naming of RRTS trains". The Hindu. 2023-10-20. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  13. ^ Mishra, Twesh (2022-07-01). "Germany's Deutsche Bahn wins bid to operate and maintain Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut rapid rail". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
  14. ^ "Regional Plan 2021 by National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB)". NCRPB (PDF). 17 September 2005.
  15. ^ Sethi, Neha (2013-08-01). "Centre, states set up company to build rapid transit system for NCR". mint. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  16. ^ "Fast Trains to NCR Towns under RRTS". Latest News on NCR-Delhi Realty & Infra Projects. 2010-11-17. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  17. ^ "PM Modi flags off 'Namo Bharat', India's first regional rapid rail service; all you need to know". Business Today. 2023-10-20. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
  18. ^ PTI (2023-10-20). "New RRTS trains to be known as 'NaMo Bharat'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2023-10-22. Trains of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, will be known as 'NaMo Bharat', Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Thursday.
  19. ^ a b "All RRTS corridors will be interoperable: NCRTC". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 24 August 2019. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  20. ^ "UPSRTC". www.upsrtc.com. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  21. ^ "Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor: Unveiling the fare structure, timings, luggage size and more on RAPIDX Service". Financialexpress. 2023-10-19. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  22. ^ "RRTS biz class passengers can access 'premium lounge'. Know all about it here". mint. 2022-05-28. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  23. ^ "Nokia tests mission-critical voice and data on 4.9G private wireless network for NCRTC - ET Telecom". ETTelecom.com. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
  24. ^ "Cargo to move at 180kmph on RAPIDX in non-peak hours". Times Of India. 29 May 2023.
  25. ^ "Delhi-Meerut RRTS: Made in India trainset handed over for Phase 1 project". Financialexpress. 2022-05-08. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  26. ^ "NCRTC to engage Ballastless Track Structure System Provider for RRTS". Urban Transport News. 13 August 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  27. ^ "NCRTC to use hi-tech signalling for Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut section". www.outlookindia.com/. Retrieved 24 June 2020.
  28. ^ "ISO". www.iso.org. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
  29. ^ "NCRTC Rolls Out Wrench SmartProject as Their Common Data Environment in Record Time". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 17 October 2019. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  30. ^ "Delegates from Asian Development Bank visits Delhi-Meerut RRTS project". Urban Transport News. 29 August 2019. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  31. ^ "Ghaziabad: Four RRTS stations on 17km priority line to be ready by mid-March". Hindustan Times. 2023-02-25. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  32. ^ "Pre-construction work begins on Delhi-Gurugram-SNB RRTS corridor". The Hindu. 2022-05-12. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2022-05-13.
  33. ^ "Uttar Pradesh Greenlights Rs 1600 Crore Ghaziabad to Jewar RRTS Corridor, Connecting Noida Airport to NCR". News18. 2023-12-06. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  34. ^ "Haryana RRTS projects not sanctioned by centre, says Union minister". Hindustan Times. 2023-03-14. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
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