Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
The Context
National capital region (NCR) is a multi-state region with the National Capital as its centre. This region, spread over an area of about 35,000 km2, comprises the entire National Capital territory of Delhi and some parts of the neighboring states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB), in order to enhance the connectivity within the NCR, has proposed to connect urban, industrial (SEZs/industrial parks), regional and sub-regional centers through a fast rail based Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The objective of this system is to reduce dependence of commuters on road based transportation. The NCRPB conducted a study on Integrated Transportation Plan for NCR projecting figures for 2032 and has identified eight rail based rapid transit corridors to enhance the efficacy of the transportation system in the NCR. In addition to the rail system there will also be provisions made for facilities including road network enhancements
The eight identified RRTS corridors are:
- Delhi – Gurgaon – Rewari – Alwar [DGRA - Project Corridor]
- Delhi – Ghaziabad – Meerut
- Delhi – Sonipat – Panipat
- Delhi – Faridabad – Ballabhgarh – Palwal
- Delhi – Bahadurgarh – Rohtak
- Delhi – Shahadra – Baraut
- Ghaziabad – Khurja
- Ghaziabad – Hapur
The NCRPB has decided to implement RRTS in the following three corridors on priority:
- Delhi – Gurgaon – Rewari – Alwar;
- Delhi – Sonipat – Panipat; and
- Delhi – Ghaziabad – Meerut.
The proposed corridors radiate from National Capital Territory Delhi (NCTD) across the NCR area and terminate at Rest of NCR (RNCR) towns which are the exit nodes of NCR. The RRTS network is expected to provide fast, safe and comfortable commuter systems at a reasonable fare for intra-regional movement of passengers. NCR is experiencing the flow of nearly 3.5 lakh passenger cars commuting every day and RRTS will help reduce travel delays and congestion created by movement of these vehicles.
UMTC has been chosen for providing its consultancy services for a feasibility study of Delhi – Gurgaon – Rewari – Alwar RRTS corridor, followed by preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Services
The role of UMTC is to conduct the feasibility study and prepare the Detailed Project report for the Delhi-Gurgaon-Rewari-Alwar (DGRA) Corridor. UMTC is required to assess travel demand, and the technical and financial feasibility of the approved RRTS corridor. In order to achieve the RRTS objectives, the technical specifications have been finalized in coherence with the operational requirements such as frequencies, signaling, telecommunication and fare collection systems to serve the traffic needs in the corridor. All the fixed and rolling stock infrastructure specifications as per horizon years have been formulated. The block costing has been carried out and revenue generation and funding options have been identified.
This is an on-going project. Further services of UMTC in this project include Multi-modal Integration, Planning of Feeder Systems and Transit Oriented Development at the stations. It is also the responsibility of UMTC to prepare an Implementation Strategy after conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments.