Seamless Urban Commuting in Delhi-NCR: Insights from Shalabh Goel, MD, NCRTC

In a recent interview with TOI, Shalabh Goel, Managing Director of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), provided a comprehensive overview of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) and its significant role in transforming the commuting landscape in the National Capital Region (NCR). He discussed the integration of RRTS with existing railway stations, metro systems, and bus terminuses, aiming to create a seamless travel experience for commuters.

Positive Response to Namo Bharat Trains

Goel reported that the Namo Bharat trains, which have been operational for a year, have received a very encouraging response from passengers. He highlighted the impact of the latest section opened—from Modi Nagar North to Meerut South—where ridership saw a remarkable increase of nearly 50% just before the Raksha Bandhan festival. With trials already underway for the corridor’s connection to Anand Vihar in Delhi, Goel anticipates a significant surge in ridership as the entire system becomes operational.

Upcoming Developments

Looking ahead, the NCRTC plans to open two stations in Delhi by the end of December 2024. While the initial goal was to launch the entire corridor from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram by mid-2025, adjustments have been made to ensure at least part of the corridor within Delhi can be operational before that date. Currently, trial runs are in progress for two of the four stations in the Delhi section. Goel confirmed that Sarai Kale Khan is on track to be commissioned before June 2025, though Jungpura may face delays. Operations will primarily center around Sarai Kale Khan, which will serve as a key hub for the RRTS.

Current Ridership and Demographics

As for ridership statistics, the average daily usage of the Namo Bharat trains stands at approximately 21,000 to 22,000 passengers. Goel noted that the demographic profile of these commuters predominantly includes young professionals and students, primarily aged between 30 to 35 years. To foster community engagement and attract a broader audience, NCRTC has organized events such as "Namo Unplugged," a musical program held every Friday at the Ghaziabad RRTS station, featuring performances by local college students. Recently, the station also hosted a popular book fair in collaboration with the National Book Trust, further enhancing the cultural fabric of the commuting experience.

Revenue Generation Strategies

To ensure the financial sustainability of the RRTS project, which is capital-intensive, NCRTC is exploring various revenue-generation avenues. These strategies include value capture financing, transit-oriented development, and selling naming rights for stations. Plans are in place for property development at Sarai Kale Khan, where a multi-storey commercial hub is expected to enhance foot traffic and generate significant revenue. This development will be executed in a public-private partnership (PPP) mode, with open tenders for private players to construct and operate the facilities. Similar initiatives are underway at Anand Vihar and Ghaziabad, where large areas adjacent to the railway line are being developed for commercial use, including restaurants with views of passing trains and ample parking facilities.

Train Frequency and Capacity

The current frequency of trains on the RRTS line is set at 15 minutes, but Goel indicated that this could be reduced to as little as three minutes based on future demand and passenger volumes. The system is designed to accommodate up to 800,000 commuters daily once all corridors are fully operational. With Sarai Kale Khan serving as a crucial junction, this capacity is expected to alleviate road congestion and enhance overall transportation efficiency in the region.

Enhancing Last-Mile Connectivity

To improve last-mile connectivity, NCRTC is prioritizing multimodal integration. Goel explained that while RRTS primarily facilitates intercity travel for distances of 100 to 120 kilometers, metro and bus services cater to intra-city needs. To enhance coordination, NCRTC has been actively working with bus operators in Ghaziabad and Meerut to adjust their routes, encouraging them to act as feeders to the RRTS rather than running parallel services. As a result, several bus operators have modified around 17 routes to better align with the RRTS system. Additionally, NCRTC has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with bike-sharing services to further enhance transportation options, and approximately 8,000 parking spaces have been established along the Delhi-Meerut corridor to accommodate commuters.

Innovative Technologies in RRTS

The RRTS employs advanced technologies to enhance its operations. Goel highlighted the implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 for signalling—a first for India. Namo Bharat trains are designed to reach speeds of 180 km/h, currently operating at 160 km/h. Several energy conservation measures have been integrated into the system, such as automated doors that remain closed when no passengers are disembarking, thus maintaining air-conditioning efficiency. The corridor also benefits from 11 MW of solar power, with solar tubes installed for natural lighting at the Duhai depot.

In a significant move toward self-sufficiency, NCRTC has partnered with Bharat Electronics Limited to develop platform screen doors (PSDs) in India, which were previously imported. This initiative not only enhances safety but also promotes local manufacturing capabilities.

Future Integration with Railways and Metro

Once the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor becomes operational, Goel elaborated on how RRTS will complement Indian Railways and the Delhi Metro to facilitate a smoother commuting experience. For instance, a passenger arriving at Nizamuddin railway station from Varanasi will have a seamless transition to the RRTS at Sarai Kale Khan via a travelator. Moreover, the integration of ticketing systems will allow passengers to purchase RRTS tickets through the IRCTC app while still in Varanasi, thus streamlining their travel experience. Plans are also underway to persuade bus operators to implement a national common mobility card system, which would further enhance connectivity and convenience for commuters.

Goel expressed optimism about the future of the RRTS, emphasizing that these advancements will significantly improve commuting in the NCR, making it more efficient and user-friendly for all residents.