The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) unveiled the first look of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut regional rapid transit system (RRTS) on Friday. The 82 km-long RRTS corridor will be the first of its kind in India with a design speed of 180 kmph.
According to the ministry, with a stainless steel outer body, these aerodynamic RRTS trains will be lightweight and fully air-conditioned. Each car will have six automatic plug-in type wide doors, three on each side (Business Class will have four such doors, two on each side) for ease of access and exit. The RRTS trains will have transverse 2x2 seating with adequate legroom, optimized aisle width with grab handles, and grab poles for a comfortable journey for standing passengers, overhead luggage rack, mobile/laptop charging sockets and onboard Wi-Fi among other computer-centric features. “New Delhi’s iconic Lotus Temple is an epitome of sustainability as its design allows flow of natural sources of light and air circulation.
On similar lines, RRTS rolling stock will have lighting and temperature control systems to enhance the passenger experience with less energy consumption.
Equipped with modern amenities, the RRTS rolling stock will be a unique amalgamation of new-age technology and India’s rich heritage,” the ministry said. The prototype is scheduled to roll off the production line in 2022 and will be put into public use after extensive trials.
Unveiling the first look of India’s first RRTS train today, MoHUA Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra said that the environment friendly, energy-efficient rapid transit trains will improve the quality of life in and around NCR by accelerating economic growth. The project will also create economic opportunities by reducing air pollution, carbon footprint, congestion, and accidents Bombardier was awarded the contract by NCRTC earlier this year to design, build and deliver the regional commuter and intra-city transit trains with comprehensive maintenance services for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut semi-high-speed rail corridor under RRTS Phase 1.