06-Jan-2025

Namo Bharat Rapid Rail

Science & Technology

Why in News? 

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail's Sahibabad-New Ashok Nagar stretch, enhancing Delhi-Meerut connectivity with a 55-km operational corridor. 

About Namo Bharat Trains 

  • India’s first regional rapid train, connecting Delhi and Meerut, is named “Namo Bharat.” 
  • The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) developed the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), also referred to as Namo Bharat. 

Did You Know? 

  • The NCRTC is a joint venture between the Central Government and the state governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.  
  • Operating under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, its mandate is to implement the RRTS project in the National Capital Region. 

Key Features of Namo Bharat Trains 

  • Designed to achieve speeds of up to 160 km/h. 
  • Operates on a dedicated track. 
  • Offers high-frequency service every 5 to 10 minutes. 

Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)  

About: The RRTS is a semi-high-speed, integrated mass transit network aiming to promote sustainable urban development and improve connectivity across the National Capital Region (NCR). 

Origin 

  • Proposed in 1998-99 by Indian Railways to connect NCR towns with fast commuter trains. 
  • Reassessed in 2006 with Delhi Metro's expansion to Gurgaon, Noida, and Ghaziabad. 
  • Adopted by National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) in its Transport Plan for NCR-2032, recommending eight RRTS corridors. 

Features 

  • Speed: Operates at 160 km/h; designed for up to 180 km/h. 
  • Inspiration: Based on systems like the Réseau Express Regional (RER) in Paris, Regional-Express in Germany, and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in the USA. 
  • Faster than metro trains, offering efficient and comfortable commuting.