PM flags off RRTS: What is this mass transport system, how it can benefit NCR

Source: The post is based on the article “PM flags off RRTS: What is this mass transport system, how it can benefit NCR” published in “Indian Express” on 20th October 2023

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has inaugurated the first leg of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).

Note: RRTS has now been named as Namo Bharat.

What is the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)?

RRTS is a new rail-based, semi-high-speed, high-frequency commuter transit system.

Aim: To ensure balanced and sustainable urban development through better connectivity and access across the National Capital Region(NCR).

Implemented by: National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which is a joint venture company of the Central government and the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, has constructed the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).

Corridors: Eight corridors will be developed under the RRTS project which includes: 1) Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut 2) Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar 3) Delhi-Panipat 4) Delhi – Faridabad – Ballabgarh – Palwal; 5) Ghaziabad – Khurja 6) Delhi – Bahadurgarh – Rohtak 7) Ghaziabad-Hapur and 8) Delhi- Shahadra-Baraut.

Speed: RRTS trains will travel significantly faster than metro trains.These will operate at a speed of 160 km/hour but are designed to be able to run at speeds up to 180 km/hour.

How is RRTS different from existing metro or railways systems?

RRTS is different from metro as it caters to passengers looking to travel a relatively longer distance with fewer stops and at higher speed.

RRTS is different from conventional Railway as it will provide reliable, high frequency, point to point regional travel at high speed along dedicated path way.

What are the benefits of the RRTS Project?

Firstly, RRTS will be integrated with various modes of transport like Airports, Railway Stations, Inter-State Bus Terminals, Delhi Metro Stations etc providing seamless connectivity.

Secondly, with fast connectivity with satellite towns, the urbanization burden in Delhi will reduce.

Thirdly, it will reduce usage of fossil fuel powered vehicles for ferrying people from the outskirts to the city.

Fourthly, RRTS will increase the share of public transport resulting in a reduction in traffic.