In a bid to encourage the elite class of Delhi and surrounding areas, including the NCR region, to take up public transport, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)’s upcoming rapid rail will have a separate business class coach.
This will be the first time that a rail network will have a business class coach in the train. Among the 12 coaches, one “elite class” coach would be available for passengers willing to pay for the facilities.
“This will be the first time that the train will have a business coach in the country. The main motive behind this idea is to increase the use of public transport as well as to encourage the creamy layer of the public to take some time and travel in a Government transport to reach their destination with a minimal cost,” said a senior official from the NCRTC.
With the NCR growing at a rapid rate having large migrant population from across the country, the upcoming lifeline of the city will use innovative ideas to attract all sections of society. As per the project planners, facility provided in aeroplanes was kept in mind while taking the decision. The air-conditioned ‘elite coach’ will have overhead cabin for luggage, Wi-Fi connection, luxury seats and refreshments for the most comfortable travel one can imagine.
The fare for the said coach would be higher than the normal coach. “Currently, fare charges have not been decided but yes the price will be slightly up as compared to the common coach,” said the official.
Separate entry and exit gates will be installed for the ‘Business Class’ with Automatic fare Collection (AFC) system such as QR Code based tickets and Near Field Communication (NFC) Enabled phones. The AFC gates will be installed on the platform providing a direct access to Executive lounge area on platforms.
“People who travel by normal class can enter the executive lounge if they wish, by paying the additional fare which will be calculated at the exit station. The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is one of the major projects of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and has been put up for approval in Parliament Monsoon Session. Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Corridor will be the first RRTS to be implemented in India,” said the official.