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| Namo Bharat[1] | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Overview | |
| Service type | Elevatedregionalrapidrail |
| Status | Partially operational |
| First service | 20 October 2023; 2 years ago (2023-10-20) |
| Current operator | Deutsche Bahn |
| Website | ncrtc |
| Route | |
| Lines used | 8 (planned) 1 (partially commissioned) |
| On-board services | |
| Classes | Economy class Business class Women's class |
| Seating arrangements |
|
| Observation facilities | Large windows forpanoramic view |
| Entertainment facilities | |
| Baggage facilities | Overhead racks |
| Other facilities |
|
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | Namo Bharat trainset |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)standard gauge |
| Electrification | 25 kV 50 Hz ACOverhead line |
| Operating speed | 160–180 km/h (100–110 mph) |
| Average length | 384 metres (1,260 ft) (16 coaches) 192 metres (630 ft) (8 coaches) |
| Rake maintenance | Duhai Depot,Duhai,Uttar Pradesh |
Namo Bharat,[2][3][4] orRapidX, is arapidrail[5][6][7][8][9] system operated by theNational Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) in India'sNational Capital Region (NCR). It is India's first regional rapid transit system and it has been envisioned to replace the conventional non-air-conditionedMEMU-operatedlocal train network with arapid rail system.[10][11][12] TheNamo Bharat semi-high-speed trainsets have an average speed of 100 km/h (62 mph).[13]
Germany'sDeutsche Bahn won the contract to operate and maintain the entireDelhi–Meerut rapid rail transit corridor for 12 years, with a bid valued at approximately ₹1,500 crores (roughly US$178 million).[14]
The proposal for a regional rapid transit service to connect Delhi with nearby towns was floated in the late 1990s by theIndian Railways. In 2006, with the ongoing expansion of theDelhi Metro, the plan was under consideration as part of Delhi Metro's expansion to towns in the vicinity.[15] In 2013, theGovernment of India established theNational Capital Region Transport Corporation to implement eight planned Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS) aimed at decongestingDelhi and its surrounding areas within a 100–200 km (62–124 mi) radius.[11][16][17]
The project previously had the name RapidX. When passenger services were launched in October 2023, NCRTC rebranded both the RRTS services[18] and thetrainsets as "Namo Bharat" (Hindi:नमो भारत).[19] The name means 'bow to India' inSanskrit, but opposition leaders have noted that 'Namo' is also an abbreviation the incumbent Prime Minister of India,Narendra Modi, himself often uses for his own name, linking the service to him.[20]
To ensure a convenient and seamless travel experience for commuters, the three Phase-1 Namo Bharat corridors—Delhi-Meerut,Delhi-Panipat, andDelhi-Alwar—will converge at Delhi'sSarai Kale Khan station. These corridors will be interoperable, allowing trains to move freely between them. This interoperability will enable commuters to travel between stations on different corridors without changing trains, encouraging a shift from private vehicles to the Namo Bharat network.[21][22]
Namo Bharat stations are integrated with other modes of public transport wherever feasible, including airports, railway stations of theIndian Railway network,inter-state bus terminals, andDelhi Metro stations. This integration aims to ensure seamless commuter transfers between different modes of transportation, encouraging greater reliance on public transit systems. While Namo Bharat will serve as the backbone of regional transportation across theNational Capital Region, Delhi Metro lines will complement it by functioning asfeeder lines. TheSarai Kale Khan RapidX station will serve as a mega-terminal where all three Phase-I RapidX corridors converge, further enhancing connectivity.[21][22]
| Namo Bharat stations | Integration |
|---|---|
| Ghaziabad |  Red LineShaheed Sthal |
| New Ashok Nagar | Blue LineNew Ashok Nagar |
| Anand Vihar | Blue LineAnand Vihar |
| Sarai Kale Khan | Pink LineSarai Kale Khan Nizamuddin |
| INA | Pink LineDilli Haat – INA |
| Aerocity |  Indira Gandhi International Airport |
| Udyog Vihar |  Proposed extension ofRapid Metro Gurgaon |
| Kherki Dhaula toll |  Proposed bus terminus |
| Panchgao | Proposed ISBT
|
| Bawal | Bawal bus stand |
TheNamo Bharat trainsets have six coaches which can accommodate 450 passengers.[25]
Business class: Each RapidX train will have a separate business coach.
Premium lounge: Premium lounges have been built at every station of the network. These lounges will be reserved for business class passengers commuting via the RRTS.[26]
Comfortable travel: The air-conditioned Namo Bharat coaches will have transverse seating arrangements with overhead luggage space and Wi-Fi connectivity, among other modern amenities.
Women's coach: Each Namo Bharat train will have a separate coach for women travellers, just like the Delhi Metro.[27]
Universal accessibility: The entire infrastructure of Namo Bharat, including stations and trains, has been designed with universal accessibility in mind.
The train is equipped with safety features such as CCTV cameras, emergency door-opening mechanism and a communication button to communicate with the train operator.[28] Every RRTS station has platform screen doors integrated with the RRTS train doors and signalling system.[29][30]
Nokia partnered withAlstom to implement the 4.9G/LTE private wireless network to support the ETCS L2 signalling for the RRTS. This is a "world-first application" of an LTE network integrated with ETCS Level 2 signaling, enabling high-speed and highly reliable commuter services. Additionally, the ETCS Level 2 system allows trains to provide real-time updates of their precise location.[31]
To optimize the utilization of the Namo Bharat system, the routes are also be used for transporting cargo during non-peak hours, with a focus ongoods likeperishables that can benefit significantly from the service. This initiative is expected to reduce pollution by decongesting roads between cities and decreasing the number of trucks in transit. Additionally, the system's trainset depots will be equipped with warehouses and other facilities to handle cargo efficiently.[32]
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The NCRTC is developing a cutting-edge rail-based rapid transit system in the National Capital Region, designed for a maximum speed of 180 km/h (110 mph). Achieving this speed requires grade-separated tracks and advanced signaling and control systems to ensure high capacity and safe operations. Therolling stock will feature air-conditioned train cars with rapid acceleration and deceleration capabilities. Traction power will be supplied through a specially designed system: a 25 kV flexibleoverhead catenary system for elevated sections and a rigid overhead catenary system for tunnels.[citation needed]
The trains for the service were specifically designed for fast and comfortable regional commutes. The lightweight stainless steel body of the Namo Bharat trainsets, combined with their aerodynamic nose design, minimizes air drag at high speeds of up to 180 km/h (110 mph). The trainsets were engineered atAlstom's design center inHyderabad and manufactured byBombardier Transportation inSavli.[33]
The Slab Track Austria system, known for delivering exceptional riding comfort even at high speeds of 180 km/h (110 mph), is being used in India for the first time. These tracks are favoured for their durability, reduced maintenance needs, and ease of replacement.[34]
The ETCS Level-2 signaling system, widely used globally for high-speed railway transit, is being implemented in India for the first time. This advanced system features modern signaling with virtual blocks and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) functionality over an LTE backbone. A standout feature of the RRTS is the interoperability across all corridors, enabled by ETCS Level-2. The system monitors train speed and direction while providing operational directives via a radio block center. The use of virtual blocks eliminates the possibility of train collisions, ensuring enhanced safety and efficiency.[35]
SPEED is NCRTC's in-house, advanced, and user-friendly platform designed for monitoring and managing the reporting of activities during the pre-construction and construction phases of the RRTS. This robust and reliable system is built on modern technological frameworks, including JavaScript and PHP.[citation needed]
A Common Data Environment (CDE) has been implemented to serve as a centralized repository for all construction and pre-construction drawings and technical documents. It facilitates real-time collaboration and sharing of updated information, ensuring a single source of truth across the organization. The CDE enables efficient management of design processes, defines and implements workflows, and monitors progress and actions throughout the organization.[36][37]
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that provides architecture, engineering, and construction professionals with the insights and tools needed to efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings, infrastructure, and other structures. Project components, such as walls and doors, are modeled in 3D using BIM software, offering a realistic representation of how the final structure will appear. All RRTS stations are currently being designed and developed using the BIM platform.[38]
The NCRTC is installing a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network system, including a control station, to enhance geolocation accuracy for civil construction surveys. This system delivers real-time, highly precise coordinates with an accuracy of 5–10 mm, compared to the 10–15 meters typically provided by standard GPS. By eliminating cumulative errors in geolocation, the CORS network ensures better alignment during construction and serves as a comprehensive life cycle management solution for the project.[citation needed]
Operational
Under construction
Proposed
| Route | Locale | Length | Construction began | Opening | Notes | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi–Meerut | Delhi andUttar Pradesh | 82 km (51 mi) | January 2019 | 20 October 2023 (partially operational) | Yet to be fully operational.[39] |  |
| Delhi–Alwar | Delhi,Haryana andRajasthan | 164 km (102 mi) | (planned) August 2026 | November 2031 | Pre-construction works are underway.[40] | |
| Ghaziabad-Jewar | Delhi and Uttar Pradesh | 72 km (45 mi) | TBD | 2028 | Detailed Project Report awaiting approval.[41] | |
| Delhi–Panipat | Delhi andHaryana | 103 km (64 mi) | TBD | TBD | Detailed Project Report awaiting approval.[42] |
RapidX is the country's first regional rapid transit system, which enables commuters to reach Delhi from Meerut in an hour.
Trains of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, will be known as 'NaMo Bharat', Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Thursday.
The report further stated that this air-conditioned six coach train will be able to accommodate 450 passengers.
Regional Rail, christened RAPIDX, will have an operational speed of 160 km per hour and several features including a women's coach and a premium coach.
CCTV cameras, an emergency door-opening mechanism and a button to communicate with a train operator are among the safety features of this train.
Every RRTS station is equipped with platform screen doors which are integrated with RRTS train doors and the signalling system.
The futuristic train, which will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 20 from the Sahibabad station in Ghaziabad, will have CCTV cameras, Platform Seen Doors, a state-of-the-art communication system and WiFi.
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