India's first Namo Bharat RapidX Train launched on Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor's inaugural ceremony was held in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, witnessing the initiation of India’s maiden Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The event also marked the dedication of two stretches of the Bengaluru Metro's East-West corridor and the launch of the Namo Bharat RapidX train connecting Sahibabad to Duhai Depot. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with key dignitaries, including Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, graced the momentous occasion.

The newly opened 17 km priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor, connecting Sahibabad to Duhai Depot via stations at Ghaziabad, Guldhar, and Duhai, is a step forward in realizing the ambitious RRTS project. Conceived as a semi-high-speed, high-frequency commuter transit system, the RRTS aims to revolutionize regional connectivity with trains designed to operate at a speed of 180 kmph, ensuring seamless travel between Delhi and Meerut in under an hour, and significantly reducing travel time between various urban centers in the region, including Ghaziabad, Muradnagar, and Modinagar.

Today, it is a historic day. India's first RRTS has been dedicated to the country. Development of India is possible only with the development of states. The Delhi-Meerut 82.15 km stretch is just a beginning.  "Namo Bharat" system will be created in many parts of the country. It will also create employment. Women comprise the crew of Namo Bharat train. This is the symbol of growing women empowerment in India.

During his address, PM Modi highlighted the government's commitment to modernizing and greenifying public transport across various cities, emphasizing the role of initiatives like the Namo Bharat Train, which symbolizes the nation's progress and its dedication to strengthening women empowerment. He underlined the significance of the ongoing infrastructure development in enhancing the quality of life for citizens and creating new avenues for employment. Reflecting on India's recent achievements across various sectors, including space exploration, sports, and manufacturing, the Prime Minister emphasized the country's journey toward becoming a global leader in innovation and development.

The Prime Minister also outlined the government's comprehensive roadmap for the Indian Railways, aiming to transform it into a world-class and modern transport system by the end of the decade. He underscored the crucial role of multi-modal connectivity in establishing a well-integrated transport network across the nation, with a special focus on developing waterways, modern expressways, airports, and metro systems. PM Modi also reiterated the government's commitment to improving the standard of living for all citizens, with a special emphasis on enhancing air quality, ensuring proper waste management, and upgrading educational and medical facilities.

"The priority corridor of RRTS project related to the aspirations of crores of people is ready to get on track. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated it to the nation today. The Regional Rapid Transit System of the country will be known as 'Namo Bharat'," said Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

"PM Narendra Modi Ji has inaugurated a new era in futuristic, indigenously manufactured & state-of-the-art mode of urban transport in the country with India’s first Regional Rapid Train Namo Bharat between Sahibabad & Duhai," he added.

"The primary section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor was inaugurated today in Sahibabad with the blessings of the respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the launch of the country's first 'Namo Bharat' train. In the last nine and a half years, the country has seen world class infrastructure developing. Hearty congratulations to 25 crore people of the state for this gift before the holy festival of Vijayadashami!," said Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh.

"We are thrilled for the successful launch of the 17 km priority section of the Delhi-Meerut corridor and excited to commence the operations of this prestigious project with DB’s state-of-the-art technologies and best-in-class rail practices. We look forward to continuing our efforts towards providing a world-class transit experience for our passengers," said Kumar Keshav, CEO of DB RRTS.

Commenting on this landmark moment, Olivier Loison, Managing Director - Alstom India said, “It is a moment of pride for us at Alstom to yet again be a part of India’s Rail Revolution. RAPIDX will be a first-of-its-kind experience for Indian commuters for its speed, advanced technology and passenger experience. This project also marks the world premiere of several new signalling technologies which will set new benchmarks in the rail space globally. All of this is set to make sustainable mobility at scale real in India. These Made in India trains reflect our robust capabilities, and we are truly humbled to be contributing to India’s rail-based infrastructure growth.”

After inauguration, NCRTC Managing Director Vinay Kumar Singh, gave an overview of the transformative mobility solution RRTS and how it will holistically bring a host of social, economic, and environmental benefits for the entire region to the Prime Minister.

"Today we witnessed a historic moment as Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Namo Bharat, New India's New Rail of growth & prosperity. This new-age mode of regional transit meets the demand for a fast, safe, and accessible urban public transit system in NCR," said Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

"Regional rail network will be a game changer for urban de-congestion. Satellite town folks commute to work made easier, quicker, comfortable and affordable!," said Ashish Kundra, Principal Secretary and Transport Commissioner, Govt. of Delhi.

Designed at Alstom’s Hyderabad engineering center and manufactured at Savli (Gujarat), these trains perfectly align with the government’s Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat ambition. The rolling stock is based on Alstom’s Adessia commuter train family, incorporating worldwide experience. The propulsion systems and electricals are manufactured at the company’s factory in Maneja (Gujarat).

The RAPIDX will play a key role in promoting balanced and sustainable economic development of the region. The advanced, eco-friendly design will bring significant efficiencies through the incorporation of energy-saving technologies, including the modern car body, reliable bogies, efficient propulsion system and regenerative braking.

The primary purpose of this Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is to relieve the traffic congestion in the national capital and de-urbanise the city by allowing faster commute between nearby satellite towns. Since 2002, after the opening of 1st section of DMRC, the metro network has grown at a rapid pace. The RRTS network will complement the metro and is expected to grow very fast in the country.

The Namo Bharat Trains will start public services from tomorrow i.e. 21st October 2023. The trains will be operated and maintained by DB RRTS Operations India Pvt. Ltd.

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a special purpose vehicle under Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), is implementing the 82.15 km Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor.

Also Read: Delhi-Meerut RRTS - Know all about commuter facilities at Stations and RAPIDX Trains