RRTS- NaMo Bharat

WHY IN NEWS:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India’s first regional train service NaMo Bharat on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in Ghaziabad.  The complete corridor will be functional by 2025.

REGIONAL RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM (RRTS) PROJECT:

1. Developed by: National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)
2. Project Cost:₹30,274 crore.
3. External Funding: The Asian Development Bank, New Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
4. A joint venture of the Government of India and governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
5. Memorandum of Understanding between the Centre and the four states on June 29, 2011.
6. It is line with PM Gati Shakti National master plan

As of 2021, China has the largest number of rapid transit systems in the world—40 in number  running on over 4,500 km (2,800 mi) of track—and was responsible for most of the world’s rapid-transit expansion in the 2010s.

DESCRIPTION:

1. These RRTS stations will be integrated with various metro lines, airports and bus stands, wherever possible.
2. Length of the Delhi-Meerut corridor: 82 kilometres (covered in just an hour.)
3. Total Stations: 24 stations.
4. The first phase:

• Covering 17 kilometres.
• It will cover five stations from Sahibabad, to Duhai Depot.

5. Speciality: It will involve more women employees than men (to ensure equal participation of women).
6. SECURITY:

• The Security Control Centre (SCC) monitors the entire priority section 24×7 through CCTVs.
• The security at stations in Uttar Pradesh is entrusted to the UP Special Security Force.
• In Delhi, security will be ensured by the Central Industrial Security Force.
• The UP government has also made provisions for police stations in Ghaziabad and Meerut for RAPIDX, and a police post at every RAPIDX station.

7. A dedicated ‘Lost and Found’ centre has been established at the Ghaziabad Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
8. RRTS trains in India will be called ‘Namo Bharat’.
9. Technology in travelling–

• QR code-based journey tickets,
• National Common Mobility Cards (NCMCs), and
• QR code-based digital tickets through the mobile app, ‘RAPIDX Connect’.

BENEFITS OF RRTS PROJECT:

1. Increased Economic Activity: A fast, convenient and affordable mode of transport such as the RRTS has the potential to completely change the patterns of movement and development across the region. With shorter travel times, the overall productivity of the region would be enhanced, improving the overall economic activity in the region.
2. Balanced Economic Development in NCR : RRTS would lead to a polycentric trajectory of growth and a more uniform development of the region.
3. Improved Access to Job Facilities
4. Savings in Travel Cost and Time

5. Reduced Energy Use

6. Lower Emissions : The implementation of RRTS is part of ‘Comprehensive Action Plan’ (CAP) for Air Pollution Control in Delhi & NCR’ and the recommendation of ‘High Powered Committee on Decongesting Traffic in Delhi’.

7. Improved Safety : India has the dubious record of ranking first in the number of road fatalities across the world, with the most unsafe metrics of road travel. The RRTS, a rail based travel mode operating with the best in class command and control systems, would offer a safe and reliable transport option for movement across the NCR.

8. Easing of Road Congestion : A study by the Boston Consulting Group estimated that traffic congestion cost Indian cities around $22 billion annually in lost productivity. The RRTS, which could shift a large amount of traffic from road to rail could free up a lot of road space and ease congestion on highways across the NCR.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RRTS AND METRO:

WHY THESE 5 SOUTH INDIAN CITIES NEED REGIONAL RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM?

Chennai

• City’s expanding suburbs demand an efficient and reliable transportation network. An RRTS can connect these areas to the central business districts, reducing commute times and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
• Chennai faces perennial traffic congestion issues, causing productivity losses and environmental problems.
• RRTS can alleviate these problems by providing a faster and more sustainable mode of transportation, reducing the city’s carbon footprint and contributing to cleaner air.
• Chennai Metro already operational, an RRTS would complement the existing infrastructure, making Chennai a more connected and accessible city for both residents and businesses.

Bengaluru

• Bengaluru’s economic significance is underscored by a thriving tech sector, a rapidly expanding urban landscape, and a population that continues to grow. However, this prosperity has given rise to extensive traffic congestion issues in the city.
• RRTS, which could shift a large amount of traffic from road to rail could free up a lot of road space and ease congestion in Bengaluru, which is notorious for its traffic jams.
• RRTS in Bengaluru could be designed to establish a seamless transit link to Mysore, a nearby city with growing economic significance.

Visakhapatnam

• often known as Vizag, is one of the fastest-growing cities in South India, primarily due to its flourishing industrial and port activities.
• With a dynamic port, special economic zones, and a growing industrial base, an RRTS would not only spur economic growth but also provide the city with a more sustainable mode of transportation, thus reducing its environmental footprint.
• Visakhapatnam’s transformation into a well-connected and eco-friendly city would make it a more attractive destination for businesses and investors.
• RRTS in Visakhapatnam holds particular significance due to its strategic location within the Visakhapatnam–Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC), also known as the Vizag–Chennai Industrial Corridor.

Hyderabad

• Hyderabad’s urban sprawl necessitates a well-connected transit system
• RRTS would seamlessly connect various IT clusters, business districts, and residential areas, reducing travel times.
• RRTS in Hyderabad would work synergistically with the metro in reducing traffic congestion. While the metro alleviates traffic within the city, the RRTS would extend its reach, helping to minimise the number of vehicles on the road between Hyderabad and its neighbouring cities and towns.

Kochi

• The introduction of RRTS would further enhance the connectivity of region along with Water Metro, Kochi Metro, and other modes of transport, creating a holistic and sustainable transportation ecosystem.
• It would create a seamless transition for commuters traveling between Kochi and its nearby towns and suburbs, significantly reducing the traffic congestion prevalent on the city’s roads.

 TRANSPORTATION ROLE IN URBANISATION:

Rapid urbanisation is one of the primary challenges that our planners have faced over the years.

1. It is estimated that by 2030, more than 40% of India’s population will be living in urban areas. And without a robust infrastructure for mass mobility, no urban centre can grow.
2. The growth of the economy and the increase in the number of employment opportunities can happen if a city has quality transportation options.
3. For ‘New India’, as envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the level of public transport needs to be “RAISED”, which is an acronym for Resilient, Affordable, Inspiring, Sustainable, Efficient, and Dynamic.

WHAT IS TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT?

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is an urban planning and design concept that focuses on creating communities and developments around public transportation hubs.

Features

1.Proximity to Transit:TOD is characterized by its close proximity to public transportation systems, such as bus stops, metro stations, or commuter rail.

2. Mixed Land Use: It promotes mixed land-use, meaning that residential, commercial, and recreational spaces coexist in the same area, reducing the need for long commutes.
3. High Density:TOD areas have higher population and building density, which supports efficient land use and encourages walking.
4. Walkability: TOD design encourages pedestrian-friendly environments, with well-maintained sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian pathways.
5. Public Spaces:It emphasizes the creation of public spaces like parks, plazas, and green areas for community use.
6. Reduced Reliance on Cars: TOD aims to reduce the dependence on private vehicles by providing easy access to public transportation and essential services within walking distance.
7. Sustainability:TOD often incorporates eco-friendly practices and sustainable infrastructure, including energy-efficient buildings and green technologies.
8. Community Engagement: Community involvement in the planning and decision-making processes is a key feature of TOD to ensure it meets local needs and preferences.
9. Accessibility:TOD projects are designed to be accessible and inclusive, catering to people of all abilities
10. Economic Development: TOD can stimulate economic growth by attracting businesses and investments to the transit-served areas.

‘REGIONAL RAPID TRANSPORT SYSTEM – IN LINE WITH GATI SHAKTI PLAN’

PM GATI SHAKTI NATIONAL MASTER PLAN:

It is a digital platform to bring 16 Ministries including Railways and Roadways together for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects.

Launched in: 2021

Objective: For providing multimodal connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones.

This master plan is a transformative approach to enhance economic growth, infrastructure development and the completion of projects in a time-bound manner.

Benefits:

1. The multi-modal connectivity will provide integrated and seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods and services from one mode of transport to another.
2. It will facilitate the last mile connectivity of infrastructure and also reduce travel time for people.

PM Gati Shakti is based on six pillars:

1. Comprehensiveness:

• It will include various Ministries and Departments with one centralized portal.
• Each and every Department will now have visibility of each other’s activities providing critical data while planning & execution of projects in a comprehensive manner.

2. Prioritization:

• Through this, different Departments will be able to prioritize their projects through cross-sectoral interactions.

3. Optimization:

• It will assist different ministries in planning for projects after identification of critical gaps.
• For the transportation of the goods from one place to another, the plan will help in selecting the most optimum route in terms of time and cost.

4. Synchronization:

• Individual Ministries and Departments often work with each other. There is lack of coordination in planning and implementation of the project resulting in delays.
• PM Gati Shakti will help in synchronizing the activities of each department, as well as of different layers of governance, in a holistic manner by ensuring coordination of work between them.

5. Analytical:

• The plan will provide the entire data at one place with GIS based spatial planning and analytical tools having 200+ layers, enabling better visibility to the executing agency.

6. Dynamic:

• All Ministries and Departments will now be able to visualize, review and monitor the progress of cross-sectoral projects
• It will help in identifying the vital interventions for enhancing and updating the master plan.