Context:
Currently, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is developing 900 rainwater harvesting (RWH) pits along the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor in a move to ensure environmental sustainability.
Relevance:
GS III: Infrastructure
Dimensions of the Article:
- Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
- RRTS is an integrated, mass transit network with semi-high-speed rail connectivity at its core.
- Its purpose is to promote balanced and sustainable urban development by improving connectivity and accessibility across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Origin:
- The concept of RRTS emerged from an Indian Railways study conducted in 1998-99.
- This study highlighted the potential for an RRTS network connecting various NCR locations through rapid commuter trains.
- In 2006, the proposal gained traction as Delhi Metro lines expanded to NCR towns like Gurgaon, Noida, and Ghaziabad.
- The National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) adopted the concept as it developed the Functional Plan on Transport for NCR-2032.
- NCRPB identified and recommended eight RRTS corridors to connect NCR towns through high-speed rail-based commuter transit services.
Objectives:
- The RRTS aims to unleash the NCR’s full potential and enhance multi-modal connectivity at transportation hubs.
- It encourages public transportation use to reduce road and metro/rail congestion.
- The project aims to stimulate employment generation and create new commercial hubs in the NCR.
- Shorter travel times are expected to boost the region’s economic productivity.
Features:
- RRTS trains are faster than metro trains, with speeds of 160 km/hour (up to 180 km/hour).
- The RRTS model is based on systems like Paris’ RER, Germany and Austria’s Regional-Express trains, and the U.S.’ SEPTA Regional Rail, among others.
Differences from Existing Systems:
- RRTS is faster than metros.
- Compared to Indian Railways, RRTS covers shorter distances but offers higher frequency and more comfort.
-Source: Times of India
