The proposal for a regional rapid transit service to connect Delhi with nearby towns was floated in the late 1990s by the Indian Railways. In 2006, with the ongoing expansion of the Delhi Metro, the plan was under consideration as part of Delhi Metro's expansion to towns in the vicinity.[15] In 2013, the Government of India established the National Capital Region Transport Corporation to implement eight planned Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS) aimed at decongesting Delhi and its surrounding areas within a 100–200km (62–124mi) radius.[11][16][17]
The project originally had the working name RapidX. When passenger services were launched in October 2023, NCRTC branded both the RRTS services[18] and the trainsets as "Namo Bharat" (Hindi: नमो भारत).[19] The name means "bow to India" in Sanskrit, but critics have noted that "Namo" is also an abbreviation of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the service.[20]
Features
Namo Bharat trainset's inauguration
Integration
To ensure a convenient and seamless travel experience for commuters, the three Phase-1 Namo Bharat corridors—Delhi-Meerut, Delhi-Panipat, and Delhi-Alwar—will converge at Delhi's Sarai Kale Khan station. These corridors will be interoperable, allowing trains to move freely between them. This interoperability will enable commuters to travel between stations on different corridors without changing trains, encouraging a shift from private vehicles to the Namo Bharat network.[21][22]
Namo Bharat stations are integrated with other modes of public transport wherever feasible, including airports, railway stations of the Indian Railway network, inter-state bus terminals, and Delhi Metro stations. This integration aims to ensure seamless commuter transfers between different modes of transportation, encouraging greater reliance on public transit systems. While Namo Bharat will serve as the backbone of regional transportation across the National Capital Region, Delhi Metro lines will complement it by functioning as feeder lines. The Sarai Kale Khan RapidX station will serve as a mega-terminal where all three Phase-I RapidX corridors converge, further enhancing connectivity.[21][22]
Digital QR code-based Ticket – Commuters can purchase tickets using the Namo Bharat Connect mobile application.
National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) Card – The passengers can travel with any NCMC compliant card. One can purchase these cards from the ticket counter at the stations. This card can be recharged with a minimum value of ₹100 up to a maximum value of ₹2000.
Ticket Vending Machine (TVMs) – The TVMs are equipped with credit/debit/prepaid card readers compliant with the RuPay, Mastercard, and Visa standards for digital transactions in addition to payment through cash. The NCRTC has installed four TVMs each at Sahibabad and Ghaziabad and two TVMs each at Guldhar, Duhai and Duhai Depot.
Paper QR code-based journey ticket – One can generate this ticket via TVMs or purchase them from the ticket counters at located at the stations.[24]
Each station features a premium lounge with exclusive AFC gates, accessible with a premium ticket, along with a dedicated premium coach on every trainGhaziabad RapidX station
Business class: Each RapidX train will have a separate business coach.
Premium lounge: Premium lounges have been built at every station of the network. These lounges will be reserved for business class passengers commuting via the RRTS.[26]
Comfortable travel: The air-conditioned Namo Bharat coaches will have transverse seating arrangements with overhead luggage space and Wi-Fi connectivity, among other modern amenities.
Women's coach: Each Namo Bharat train will have a separate coach for women travellers, just like the Delhi Metro.[27]
Universal accessibility: The entire infrastructure of Namo Bharat, including stations and trains, has been designed with universal accessibility in mind.
Safety
The train is equipped with safety features such as CCTV cameras, emergency door-opening mechanism and a communication button to communicate with the train operator.[28] Every RRTS station has platform screen doors integrated with the RRTS train doors and signalling system.[29][30]
Wireless Railway Signaling System
Nokia partnered with Alstom to implement the 4.9G/LTE private wireless network to support the ETCS L2 signalling for the RRTS. This is a "world-first application" of an LTE network integrated with ETCS Level 2 signaling, enabling high-speed and highly reliable commuter services. Additionally, the ETCS Level 2 system allows trains to provide real-time updates of their precise location.[31]
Cargo handling
To optimize the utilization of the Namo Bharat system, the routes are also be used for transporting cargo during non-peak hours, with a focus on goods like perishables that can benefit significantly from the service. This initiative is expected to reduce pollution by decongesting roads between cities and decreasing the number of trucks in transit. Additionally, the system's trainset depots will be equipped with warehouses and other facilities to handle cargo efficiently.[32]
The NCRTC is developing a cutting-edge rail-based rapid transit system in the National Capital Region, designed for a maximum speed of 180km/h (110mph). Achieving this speed requires grade-separated tracks and advanced signaling and control systems to ensure high capacity and safe operations. The rolling stock will feature air-conditioned train cars with rapid acceleration and deceleration capabilities. Traction power will be supplied through a specially designed system: a 25 kV flexible overhead catenary system for elevated sections and a rigid overhead catenary system for tunnels.[citation needed]
The trains for the service were specifically designed for fast and comfortable regional commutes. The lightweight stainless steel body of the Namo Bharat trainsets, combined with their aerodynamic nose design, minimizes air drag at high speeds of up to 180km/h (110mph). The trainsets were engineered at Alstom's design center in Hyderabad and manufactured by Bombardier Transportation in Savli.[33]
The Slab Track Austria system, known for delivering exceptional riding comfort even at high speeds of 180km/h (110mph), is being used in India for the first time. These tracks are favoured for their durability, reduced maintenance needs, and ease of replacement.[34]
The ETCS Level-2 signaling system, widely used globally for high-speed railway transit, is being implemented in India for the first time. This advanced system features modern signaling with virtual blocks and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) functionality over an LTE backbone. A standout feature of the RRTS is the interoperability across all corridors, enabled by ETCS Level-2. The system monitors train speed and direction while providing operational directives via a radio block center. The use of virtual blocks eliminates the possibility of train collisions, ensuring enhanced safety and efficiency.[35]
Construction technology
Systematic Program Evaluation for Efficient Delivery of Project (SPEED)
SPEED is NCRTC's in-house, advanced, and user-friendly platform designed for monitoring and managing the reporting of activities during the pre-construction and construction phases of the RRTS. This robust and reliable system is built on modern technological frameworks, including JavaScript and PHP.[citation needed]
Common Data Environment (CDE)
A Common Data Environment (CDE) has been implemented to serve as a centralized repository for all construction and pre-construction drawings and technical documents. It facilitates real-time collaboration and sharing of updated information, ensuring a single source of truth across the organization. The CDE enables efficient management of design processes, defines and implements workflows, and monitors progress and actions throughout the organization.[36][37]
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that provides architecture, engineering, and construction professionals with the insights and tools needed to efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings, infrastructure, and other structures. Project components, such as walls and doors, are modeled in 3D using BIM software, offering a realistic representation of how the final structure will appear. All RRTS stations are currently being designed and developed using the BIM platform.[38]
Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS)
The NCRTC is installing a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network system, including a control station, to enhance geolocation accuracy for civil construction surveys. This system delivers real-time, highly precise coordinates with an accuracy of 5–10mm, compared to the 10–15 meters typically provided by standard GPS. By eliminating cumulative errors in geolocation, the CORS network ensures better alignment during construction and serves as a comprehensive life cycle management solution for the project.[citation needed]
↑ PTI (20 October 2023). "New RRTS trains to be known as 'NaMo Bharat'". The Hindu. ISSN0971-751X. Retrieved 22 October 2023. Trains of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, will be known as 'NaMo Bharat', Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Thursday.
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