Construction wing of the 'High Speed Rapid Rail' for the first prioritised corridor is going in full swing as the National Capital Regional Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has floated 'global' tender for the rapid rail coaches designing, manufacturing, supply, testing, commissioning and comprehensive maintenance of standard gauge coaches under the Make in India Initiative of Central Government. It will also include their (coaches) maintenance at Duhai and Modipuram depot of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) corridor.

The civil construction work on the 82 km long corridor has already started in the beginning of this year. The RRTS trains that will be operated at the speed of 160 kmph per hour will be unique and first of its kind with having designed with the 'aerodynamic' coaches, which will be self-propelled on electric traction with 25KV Air-conditioned (AC) System. 

The rapid rail will be started with six coaches. Out of the six coaches, one will be reserved for woman passengers and a separate coach will be developed and designed as 'Business Class Coach' for the elite class. Besides, the trains will be fitted with CCTV cameras and will have space for luggage and will have two by two transverse seating arrangements.

"The platform is being designed to accommodate nine coaches train. However, initially NCRTC will start the service with six coaches and it will be expanded to nine coaches after observing the passenger movement. Besides, keeping the commuters convenience in mind, the trains will have 2 by 2 transverse seating arrangement besides comfortable standing space," said an official.

Moreover, the NCRTC also intends to use the European Train Control System (ECTS)  level-2 signalling system for the RRTS trains to promote and enhance interoperability of  trains for seamless commuter movement across the corridors without the hassle of changing the train. "The trains will be compatible with EUTCS Level 2 signalling system which is being used in India for the first time. ETCS Level -2 signalling system will not only facilitate interoperability but will also ensure train movement at quick frequencies, thus reducing the waiting time for passengers. It will bring efficiency, ensure safety and will allow uninterrupted train operations even in adverse weather condition," said the official.

The Phase I of the RRTS corridor - will cover an 82km distance between Delhi to Meerut in less than one hour. The construction work on 17km-long priority section between Duhai to Sahibabad of Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor has already started and is expected to be ready by March 2023.