RapidX

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.{{Cite web |date=17 September 2005 |title=Regional Plan 2021 by National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) |url=https://ncrpb.nic.in/regionalplan2021.html|type=PDF |website=NCRPB}} 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 100–200 km (62–124 mi) radius.{{Cite web |last=Sethi |first=Neha |date=2013-08-01 |title=Centre, states set up company to build rapid transit system for NCR |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/ZqjtCe29vehEi4usi25jcN/Centre-states-sign-agreement-to-form-NCRTC.html |access-date=2023-05-29 |website=mint |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2010-11-17 |title=Fast Trains to NCR Towns under RRTS |url=http://ncrhomes.com/2010/fast-trains-to-ncr-towns-under-rrts/ |access-date=2023-05-29 |website=Latest News on NCR-Delhi Realty & Infra Projects |language=en}}

In October 2023, NCRTC branded the RRTS services RapidX{{Cite web |date=2023-10-20 |title=PM Modi flags off 'Namo Bharat', India's first regional rapid rail service; all you need to know |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/story/pm-modi-flags-off-namo-bharat-indias-first-regional-rapid-train-service-402728-2023-10-20 |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Business Today |language=en}} and the trainsets Namo Bharat.{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2023-10-20 |title=New RRTS trains to be known as 'NaMo Bharat' |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/new-rrts-trains-to-be-known-as-namo-bharat/article67441377.ece |access-date=2023-10-22 |issn=0971-751X |quote="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."}}

Image: PM flags off the RapidX train between Sahibabad to Duhai Depot, in Uttar Pradesh on October 20, 2023.jpg

To ensure a convenient and seamless travel experience for commuters, the three Phase-1 RapidX 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 RapidX network.{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|date=24 August 2019|title=All RRTS corridors will be interoperable: NCRTC|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/all-rrts-corridors-will-be-interoperable-ncrtc-119082400472_1.html|access-date=2 June 2020}}{{Cite web|date=18 June 2019|title=Great move! India's 1st rapid rail corridors in Delhi to be linked to Delhi Metro, Indian Railways stations|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/great-move-indias-1st-rapid-rail-corridors-in-delhi-to-be-linked-to-delhi-metro-indian-railways-stations/1611179/|access-date=2 June 2020|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}

RapidX stations will be 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 RapidX 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.

• Digital QR code-based Ticket – Commuters can purchase tickets using the RapidX 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.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-19 |title=Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor: Unveiling the fare structure, timings, luggage size and more on RAPIDX Service |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-delhi-ghaziabad-meerut-rrts-corridor-unveiling-the-fare-structure-timings-luggage-size-and-more-on-rapidx-service-3277059/ |access-date=2024-03-04 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}

File:Premium lounge RRTS.jpg

File:Namo Bharat Station.jpg RapidX station ]]

Business class: Each RapidX train will have a separate business coach. This will encourage business class commuters to switch to public transport for intercity travel.

Premium lounge: Premium lounges will be built at every station of the network. These lounges will be reserved for business class passengers commuting via the RRTS.{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-05-28 |title=RRTS biz class passengers can access 'premium lounge'. Know all about it here |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/rrts-train-business-class-passengers-can-access-premium-lounge-know-all-about-it-here-11653751929487.html |access-date=2024-03-04 |website=mint |language=en}}

Comfortable travel: The air-conditioned RapidX coaches will have transverse seating arrangements with overhead luggage space and Wi-Fi connectivity, among other modern amenities.

Women's coach: Each RapidX train will have a separate coach for women travellers, just like the Delhi Metro.{{cite news |title=NaMo Bharat Train Passengers Share Experience: Amazed With RapidX’s Facilities, Speed |url=https://zeenews.india.com/railways/namo-bharat-train-passengers-share-experience-amazed-with-rapidx-s-facilities-speed-2678835.html |access-date=7 May 2025 |work=Zee News |language=en |quote=Regional Rail, christened RAPIDX, will have an operational speed of 160 km per hour and several features including a women's coach and a premium coach.}}

Universal accessibility: The entire infrastructure of the RapidX, including stations and trains, will be designed with universal accessibility in mind.

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. {{Cite web |last= |title=Nokia tests mission-critical voice and data on 4.9G private wireless network for NCRTC - ET Telecom |url=https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/nokia-tests-mission-critical-voice-and-data-on-4-9g-private-wireless-network-for-ncrtc/93341322 |access-date=2024-03-04 |website=ETTelecom.com |language=en}}

To optimize the utilization of the RapidX system, the routes will 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.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/cargo-to-move-at-180kmph-on-rapidx-in-non-peak-hours/articleshow/100577466.cms?from=mdr|title=Cargo to move at 180kmph on RAPIDX in non-peak hours|publisher=Times Of India|date=29 May 2023}}

File:Namo Bharat trains at depot.jpg

The NCRTC is developing a cutting-edge rail-based rapid transit system in the National Capital Region, designed for a maximum speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). 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|date=May 2023}}

File:Namo Bharat Trains.jpg

File:RRTS train.jpg station]]

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 180 km/h (112 mph). The trainsets were engineered at Alstom's design center in Hyderabad and manufactured by Bombardier Transportation in Savli.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-08 |title=Delhi-Meerut RRTS: Made in India trainset handed over for Phase 1 project |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-delhi-meerut-rrts-phase-1-trainset-2516467/ |access-date=2023-05-29 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}

{{See|Ballastless track}}

The Slab Track Austria system, known for delivering exceptional riding comfort even at high speeds of 180 km/h (112 mph), is being used in India for the first time. These tracks are favoured for their durability, reduced maintenance needs, and ease of replacement.{{Cite web|date=13 August 2019|title=NCRTC to engage Ballastless Track Structure System Provider for RRTS|url=https://www.urbantransportnews.com/ncrtc-to-engage-ballastless-track-structure-system-provider-for-rrts/|access-date=24 June 2020|website=Urban Transport News|language=en-US}}

{{See|European Train Control System}}

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.{{Cite web|title=NCRTC to use hi-tech signalling for Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut section|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/ncrtc-to-use-hitech-signalling-for-delhighaziabadmeerut-section/1861722|access-date=24 June 2020|website=www.outlookindia.com/}}

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|date=May 2023}}

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.{{Cite web |url=https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:19650:-1:ed-1:v1:en|title=ISO |access-date=2023-02-28 |website=www.iso.org}}{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|date=17 October 2019|title=NCRTC Rolls Out Wrench SmartProject as Their Common Data Environment in Record Time|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ncrtc-rolls-out-wrench-smartproject-as-their-common-data-environment-in-record-time-119101700364_1.html|access-date=27 June 2020}}

{{See|Building information modeling}}

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.{{Cite web|date=29 August 2019|title=Delegates from Asian Development Bank visits Delhi-Meerut RRTS project|url=https://www.urbantransportnews.com/delegates-from-asian-development-bank-visits-delhi-meerut-rrts-project/|access-date=27 June 2020|website=Urban Transport News|language=en-US}}

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 5–10 mm, 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|date=May 2023}}

{{legend inline|#bcffc5|Operational}}

{{legend inline|#b0e0e6|Under construction}}

{{legend inline|#ffffbb|Proposed}}

• Urban rail transit in India
• High-speed rail in India
• Dedicated freight corridors in India
• Vande Bharat Express
• Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
• Indian Railways

{{reflist}}

• {{official website|ncrtc.in}}

{{RapidX|all=yes}}

{{Transport in India}}

{{Rapid transit in India}}

{{High-speed rail in India}}

{{Higher-speed rail}}

Category:National Capital Region (India)

Category:Transport in Delhi

Category:Transport in Noida

Category:Transport in Faridabad

Category:Transport in Gurgaon

Category:Transport in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

Category:Transport in Haryana