What Is RRTS & Why It's Needed as PM Modi Launches the First Regional Rapid Transit System?

 What Is RRTS & Why It's Needed as PM Modi Launches the First Regional Rapid Transit System?

The objective of having an integrated commuter train network connecting the National Capital Region and Delhi got closer to reality on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened India's first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in Ghaziabad.

The first section of the network in Ghaziabad will be accessible to the general public starting on Saturday. The RRTS differs from Metro and regular train services in the following ways.

WHA RRTS IS?

A commuter train service using high-speed rail is known as Regional Rapid Transit System. It is a brand-new, focused, and pleasant commuter service that links regional nodes in the NCR and was originally anticipated for 1998–1999.

Along designated paths, it offers dependable, frequent, point-to-point regional transportation at a very high speed. It links many smaller cities with larger ones, relieving regional congestion and offering improved employment prospects.

It is not the Metro and it is not a traditional railroad. Officials claim that it is the best of both. When compared to Metro, RRTS is more accommodating to riders who like to cover a greater distance more quickly and with fewer stops. It is quicker, more dependable, and more frequent than traditional railway.

RRTS: WHY?

Being one of the largest cities in India, Delhi not only provides a lot of career prospects, but also superior healthcare and education. As a result, it has heavy traffic from both sides, with traffic coming from smaller cities like Muradnagar, Modinagar, as well as Meerut on one side and Faridabad, Ballabgarh, among Palwal on the other. Similar to that, it also has heavy traffic from surrounding cities like Hapur, Rohtak, Khurja, and Panipat, to mention a few.

This not only strains the roadways but also contributes to Delhi's well-known air pollution problem. Rapid mass emigration from these cities will decrease migration, fuel consumption, travel time, traffic on the roads, and pollution.

Here, RRTS enters the scene by offering secure, dependable, and cutting-edge intercity commuter options.

All of the aforementioned cities will have RRTS connection to Delhi. Around the national capital, eight RRTS routes have been designated for development. Three of them have been given priority for phase 1: Ghaziabad-Meerut, Gurugram-Rewari-Alwar, and Sonipat-Panipat.

Other routes encompass Bahadurgarh-Rohtak, Shahdara-Baraut, Ghaziabad-Khurja, and Ghaziabad-Hapur in addition to Faridabad-Ballabgarh-Palwal.

WHAT 17-KM STRETCH BEGINNING MEANS

The portion, which runs between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot, is being launched so that passengers may learn about RRTS and learn about future plans. Travelers will have a one-of-a-kind experience since it is India's first train service of its sort.

"This portion was completely prepared. We had the choice of waiting for the remaining distance or starting train operations in this part so that people could learn about RRTS and its distinctive features. We will also have the chance to benefit from customer input, a National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) representative told News18.

With stops along the route at Ghaziabad, Guldhar, and Duhai, this priority segment will link Sahibabad to Duhai Depot.

According to the official, RRTS can cross the 17-kilometer distance between the two stoppages in only 12 minutes as opposed to the 30- to 35-minute time it takes to go by road.

Passengers will experience nice seating and air conditioning while riding these trains. The trains will run at a 160 kmph pace.

The train service will run every 15 minutes starting at 6 am and running until 11 pm.

The standard class ticket ranges from Rs 20 at the lowest price to Rs 50 at the highest. The premium class costs between Rs. 40 and Rs. 100.