Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail: Sahibabad-Duhai Depot Section in Ghaziabad to be Functional from This Month

The 17-km priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot is all set for operations, and green signal to the train services is likely to be given this month, officials aware of the matter told News18. It will be the first RRTS train service in India, once operational.

The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is a new, dedicated, high-speed, high-capacity, comfortable commuter service, which is different from both conventional railways as well as Metros.

When compared to conventional railways, RRTS provides reliable, high-frequency, point-to-point regional travel. RRTS is also different from Metro as it caters to passengers looking to travel a relatively long distance with fewer stops and at a higher speed.

Although it was expected to be ready by June, the Duhai Depot route got delayed and is likely to be completed for public by month-end.

“The trails have been conducted and everything is ready. We can run trains any day now. Talks are on and we can expect the train services between Sahibabad and Duhai this month. We will announce the dates as soon as it is finalised,” an official from the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) told News18, demanding anonymity.

There are five stations in the 17-km priority section — Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai and Duhai Depot.

Built at a height of 26 m, Ghaziabad station will be the highest among the stations on the Delhi-Meerut corridor.

The Ghaziabad station is seamlessly integrated with Shaheed Sthal Metro station to enable commuters to comfortably move from one mode to another. A similar arrangement is being done across the entire stretch wherever there is a nearby metro.

The 82-km Delhi-Meerut section is likely to be completed by 2025 at a cost of Rs 30,000 crore.

The RRTS trains were designed for 180 kmph and have been tested for an operating speed of 160 kmph. However, its average speed is going to be 100 kmph. In June, the Railway Board approved that RRTS can operate at a maximum speed of 160 kmph on the priority corridor.

After the Sahibabad and Duhai Depot sections, the second stretch that will be operational will be between Duhai and Meerut. The stretch in Delhi is likely to take some time.

While designing the plan, the NCRTC ensured that the commuters get all the comfort they need, also making it accessible for all – with large lifts and designated space for wheelchairs and stretchers inside the train.

Further, to ensure a reliable mobile network for the commuters of the train, NCRTC last month invited tenders for mobile coverage solution providers. This will ensure that the commuters get a mobile network within the tunnels that connects underground stations on the RRTS corridor.

The RRTS project aims to decongest the National Capital Region (NCR) and ease the journey. The rapid rail system will help in curbing vehicular traffic menace, air pollution and will ensure balanced regional development in satellite cities across Delhi.

The idea of an integrated commuter railway network to connect the NCR and Delhi was mooted way back in 1998-99 in an Indian Railways commissioned study.

The ultimate plan is to connect other cities including Panipat, Gurugram, Alwar, Faridabad, Palwal, Khurja, Bahadurgarh, Rohtak and Hapur with Delhi through RRTS.