NEW DELHI: India’s inaugural Rapid Rail, known as RAPIDX, is set for inauguration next week, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to launch the first train on the 17-km priority corridor in Ghaziabad. This inaugural train may also be operated by women pilots, marking a first in the country. The anticipated inauguration aligns with the Navratri celebration, a period dedicated to the worship of ‘shakti’ or women.
The train is set to run at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour. Passengers will have the opportunity to travel by train from 6 am to 11 pm, with trains available at the station every 15 minutes. The RRTS corridors, initially conceptualized during UPA-II, aim to reduce travel time between Delhi and major NCR cities, making it more convenient for people to live outside the national capital and commute for work. While the fare has been determined, the specific amount has not yet been disclosed.
Preparations are in full swing for the inauguration, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expected to officiate between October 16 and 18. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is slated to arrive in Ghaziabad on October 12 to oversee the preparations. Amid the preparations for the inauguration, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has established the schedule for RapidX train operations.
The Sahibabad to Duhai Depot priority corridor has been ready for operational trains for over four to five months. During this event, the NCR Transport Corporation (NCRTC), overseeing the Delhi-Meerut corridor, is expected to unveil the “RAPIDX CONNECT” mobile app. Additionally, the indigenously constructed platform screen corridor will be virtually launched. The NCRTC may also present a glimpse of the upcoming Sarai Kale Khan terminus in Delhi, which will serve as the central station connecting future Regional Rail Train System (RRTS) corridors, linking Panipat and Alwar.
The entire 82 km Delhi-Meerut RAPIDX network is slated to become operational by 2025.
Key Features
– Each train comprises six coaches.
– Four standard coaches.
– One premium coach with reclining seats and extra foot space, accessible through a special lounge.
– One coach reserved for women, akin to the Delhi Metro.
– Pilot cabins at both ends of the train.
– 407 seats per train.
– Each train can accommodate up to 1,061 standing passengers.
Features Include
– 2X2 seating capacity with overhead luggage racks.
– Onboard Wi-Fi and charging points at every seat.
– Public announcement and display system.
– Dynamic route map display.
– Designated space for wheelchairs.
– Emergency alarm system, allowing passengers to communicate directly with the driver through an intercom.
Speed
RAPIDX will be India’s fastest urban transit system, matching the design speed of the Vande Bharat, with a speed of 180 kmph for broad gauge. Operational speeds will be slightly less than this.