Ghaziabad, India – A transformative moment in India’s transportation landscape approaches as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to inaugurate the 17-kilometer Sahibabad to Duhai Depot section of the Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail Transport System (RRTS). This high-speed project, dubbed RapidX, promises an air travel-like experience with state-of-the-art amenities, making it a significant leap in passenger comfort and efficiency.
Unveiling the Future of Rail Travel
NDTV had the exclusive opportunity to take a ride on the high-speed RRTS during a demonstration run, providing a first look at the remarkable coaches. These coaches boast comfortable, reclining seats akin to those found on aircraft, offering passengers a new level of comfort.
Cutting-Edge Features
Aside from luxurious seating, the high-tech coaches are equipped with digital screens that display real-time information about the train’s location on its route and its current speed. Each rake will consist of six coaches, including one premium and five standard ones. Premium coaches will incur a higher fare, while one of the standard coaches will be designated for women. Notably, over 50% of the staff will be women, and priority will be given to local residents between Delhi and Meerut for employment opportunities.
Elevated Passenger Experience
Premium ticket holders can look forward to waiting lounges at the stations. The service will commence with the first train running on Saturday, offering a 15-minute frequency with 30-second stops at each station.
Redefining Rail Speed
The RRTS is set to revolutionize rail travel in India, distinguished from both conventional railways and metro networks. It boasts a maximum operational speed of 160 kilometers per hour, making it India’s fastest railway system. The 82-kilometer corridor will have 14 stations, aiming for an average speed of 100 kmph, with the demonstration train reaching a maximum speed of 146 kmph.
The entire RRTS corridor, a ₹30,274-crore project, will span from Sarai Kale Khan station in Delhi to Modipuram in Meerut, significantly reducing travel time. What previously took one-and-a-half to two hours between Meerut and Delhi by mail express train or local train will now be completed in just 55-60 minutes. This monumental project is anticipated to be fully operational by June 2025, with Prime Minister Modi laying the foundation stone on March 8, 2019.
