Train services on the 17-km long priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RAPIDX will be available every 15 minutes from 6am to 11pm, once it is operationalised.
According to NCRTC, India’s first Regional Rail, the RAPIDX service, is expected to begin shortly as all the preparations are afoot to make it operational.
Currently, construction of all stations in the priority section have been completed and nine trainsets from Gujarat have arrived at Duhai Depot while the 10th train is going to reach the depot soon.
There are five stations in the priority section Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai and Duhai Depot.
Once the priority section gets operationalised, train services will be available every 15 minutes initially for the convenience of the passengers. The same can be increased as per ridership demand.
The stations of India’s first Regional Rail, RAPIDX, are coloured in the hues of blue and beige which is Inspired by the colour spectrum of the peacock feather. The stations of the priority section are ready for operations and this stretch of the corridor stands out with its beauty, and yet gels well with the surroundings.
The exterior roofs of the RAPIDX stations are designed to be curved on both sides to depict the speed, which is one of the main characteristics of RAPIDX trains. Another reason behind designing the roof to be curved is that the width of the stations of the RAPIDX corridor varies from station to station. This design feature makes them look linear and harmonious.
Glass lifts have been installed inside the stations to make the station appear more airy, spacious, open, and lit. Some of these lifts are wider to accommodate stretchers if required.
There is a provision of seating on the platform for the convenience of the commuters waiting for the train. Also, platform screen doors (PSDs) have been installed at every station for their safety. These PSDs will be linked to the signalling system of the train — the train will run only after both, the train doors and the PSD are closed.
Apart from this, drinking water and washroom facilities have been provided in the paid area of the concourse level at every station. In the bigger stations of the corridor, which will provide connectivity under multi-modal integration, washroom facilities have also been provided at street level.
Keeping in mind the convenience of commuters travelling with young children, a provision for a room equipped with a diaper-changing station has also been made at the concourse level of every station providing multi-modal integration.
Special arrangements have been made at RAPIDX stations for hassle-free movement of visually challenged persons. Dedicated tactile paths have been created to avoid any confusion and show them the shortest possible route to key areas in the station. All RAPIDX stations are made universally accessible.
To contribute towards a clean and green environment, NCRTC is striving to achieve the highest rating of IGBC certification for all RAPIDX stations, depots, power substations and other buildings.
The infrastructure of the RAPIDX system equipped with green energy and minimum water consumption system will not only enhance the overall commuter experience on this green transport model but will also encourage greater use of public transport. This effort will also prove helpful in reducing carbon emissions.
Commuter-centricity being the tenet of the implementation of RRTS, NCRTC is constructing the entry/exits of the elevated stations on the RRTS corridor on both sides of the roads.
This will not only enhance the accessibility for commuters intending to travel from RRTS but will also help passengers safely cross over busy roads such as the Link Road and the Delhi-Meerut Road.
Multi-modal integration is the core principle of RRTS. This is in line with the PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan. Its purpose is to make travel hassle-free and convenient for the passengers and to encourage the use of public transport.
This will enable a convenient and seamless journey for commuters in the National Capital Region. In this section, passengers will get the facility of multi-modal integration at Ghaziabad and Sahibabad stations.
Ghaziabad station is being connected with the Red Line of DMRC and Sahibabad station is being connected with the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation Bus Stand.
Apart from multi-modal integration NCRTC will also provide last-mile connectivity to the passengers for smooth travelling.