NCERT's non-revenue trial test takes high speed on Sahibabad-Duhai RRTS section

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): The RAPIDX train project has achieved a remarkable milestone with the commencement of trial runs at a speed of 160 kmph on the 17-km priority section connecting Sahibabad to Duhai depot. The testing phase has seen these empty trains operational between 6 am and 11 pm at intervals of 15 minutes, aimed at identifying any potential technical glitches. The eagerly awaited public service on this segment is anticipated to launch soon.

The testing approach is designed to ensure a seamless transition when the priority section is fully operational. The current operation mirrors the planned service schedule, with RAPIDX trains operating between 6 am and 11 pm from the Duhai depot. National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), responsible for executing the project, shared that the RAPIDX train services' operational framework is meticulously being simulated to guarantee smooth functioning.

The entire 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is projected to be accessible to the public by 2025. The trains are expected to take 60 minutes to travel from Delhi to Meerut, with a frequency of availability at 5 to 10-minute intervals. However, the 17-km priority section, encompassing five stations - Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and Duhai Depot - is poised to become operational for the public's use in the near future.

The commencement of operations on this priority section has received approval from the Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety, Government of India. Furthermore, the Ministry of Railways has granted approval for the RRTS rolling stock, recognized for its sleek design and impressive speed of up to 180 kmph.

The Duhai depot serves as the nucleus for all RAPIDX operational activities. Presently, ten trainsets are stationed here, with the capacity to accommodate 13. The depot features 11 stabling lines, two workshop lines, three inspection bay lines, and one heavy internal cleaning line to facilitate train maintenance and testing. It also houses essential facilities like the test track, workshop, and automatic coach washing plant.

Prior to daily operations, an exhaustive fitness evaluation of the train is conducted the night before. Pre-departure checks focus on internal components such as passenger seats and grab poles for any signs of damage, inspection of fire extinguishers' locking pins, and verification of exterior equipment like headlights, flasher lights, and door indicators.

The Duhai depot also houses key control centers, including the Operation Control Centre, Depot Control Centre, and Security Control Centre, dedicated to ensuring safe travel, minimizing operational interruptions, and upholding passenger service quality.

The RAPIDX network is slated to encompass two additional corridors - Delhi-Gurgaon-SNB-Alwar and Delhi-Panipat. The first corridor's development will occur in three phases, covering a 107-km stretch from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to SNB Urban Complex. The second stage includes extensions to Sotanala, while the third stage proposes a 58-km SNB-Alwar extension. Additionally, the Delhi-Panipat corridors will link the capital with key locations in Haryana.

With modernization at the forefront, the RAPIDX project signifies a transformative shift in regional transportation, leaving the region eager for its imminent launch.