India is gearing up for the grand inauguration of its first-ever rapid rail train, the RAPIDX, with the much-anticipated event expected to take place during the Navratri festival next week. The RAPIDX will ply on the dedicated RRTS corridor connecting Delhi and Meerut.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag off the maiden journey of this cutting-edge train on the 17-km priority stretch in Ghaziabad. In a historic move, the inaugural run might be operated by an all-women crew, marking a groundbreaking moment for Indian rail transportation.
According to a report, the entire 82-km-long Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor is projected to be fully operational by 2025.
The NCR Transport Corporation (NCRTC), the organization responsible for implementing the ambitious project between Delhi and Meerut, is set to unveil its mobile app “RAPIDX CONNECT” during the inauguration. Additionally, an indigenously manufactured platform screen corridor will be introduced as part of the event.
The upcoming Sarai Kale Khan terminus in Delhi, which will serve as a central hub for all future Regional Rail Train System (RRTS) routes connecting Panipat and Alwar, will also be showcased by the NCRTC.
The RAPIDX is poised to become India’s fastest urban transit system, matching the planned speed of 180 kmph for the Vande Bharat train, designed for broad gauge tracks.
Key Features of the RAPIDX Trains:
Each RAPIDX train comprises six coaches, featuring one premium coach and four ordinary coaches, all equipped with reclining seats and ample legroom. An exclusive lounge will grant access to the luxury coach. A dedicated coach for women will be included in every train. Pilots will have dedicated rooms at both ends of the locomotive.
The trains will offer 407 seats arranged in a 2×2 configuration, with a capacity to accommodate up to 1,061 passengers. Overhead luggage racks with generous storage space will be available, along with individual charging points at each seat. Complimentary onboard WiFi will also be provided.
Passenger amenities include designated spaces for wheelchairs, an emergency alarm system for communication with the driver, a public announcement and display system, a route display system, as well as a speed monitoring mechanism.
The RRTS corridor was conceived with the primary objective of significantly reducing travel times between the national capital and other key cities in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The inauguration of the RAPIDX marks a significant milestone in India’s quest for advanced and efficient rail transportation, enhancing connectivity and convenience for commuters in the region.