The high-speed train, RapidX, which is set to debut its services on a 17-km stretch of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) after being inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offers commuters a modern and inclusive travel experience.
RapidX comprises five standard coaches, one of which is reserved for women, and a premium coach for those seeking extra comfort. Ticket prices differ, with a standard coach seat costing ₹20 and a premium coach ticket coming in at double the price. For an end-to-end journey, passengers will pay ₹50 in a standard coach and ₹100 in the premium coach. It’s worth noting that children below 90 cm in height can travel for free.
The train will make stops at five stations along the 17-km stretch, painted in an inviting turquoise and beige color scheme. These Northern Railway’s stations are Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and Duhai Depot, all part of the larger 82-km Delhi-Meerut corridor, anticipated to be fully operational by 2025.
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RapidX Train Features
RapidX boasts an impressive average speed of 100 km/hr, easily outpacing traffic on the bustling Delhi-Meerut Expressway.
As commuters arrive at the stations, they can access gates located on the expressway’s service lanes. There’s ample parking space for those arriving in personal vehicles, and multiple entry and exit points have been thoughtfully provided at each station. For those who need to cross the road, a foot overbridge is in place, facilitating easy access to the train and bus terminals.
Ticketing is a breeze with the option to purchase QR code-based paper tickets from ticket counters or ticket vending machines (TVMs) using various payment methods, including currency notes, bank cards, or unified payments interface (UPI). Additionally, the TVMs allow for the recharge of National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC). The RRTS offers the convenience of using any NCMC card from the very first day of operations. Alternatively, commuters can opt for QR code-based digital tickets via the RAPIDX Connect mobile application.
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Each station is equipped with two floors. To enter, all passengers must pass through the automatic fare collection (AFC) gates on the ground floor, which deduct the fare amount based on their destination. From there, lifts, escalators, or staircases take passengers to the platform on the second floor.
Passengers in the premium coach are in for an enhanced experience. They pass through additional AFC gates on the boarding platform, which deduct an extra amount from their ticket. These passengers also gain access to the premium lounge, featuring plush velvet seats and vending machines offering snacks and beverages.
All coaches have large windows and comfortable seats with velvet finish. The premium coach goes the extra mile with reclining seats, extra legroom, and adjustable sun shields.
For safety and convenience, platforms are equipped with public address systems announcing upcoming trains, route maps of multiple stops, and comprehensive emergency evacuation plans.
Platform screen doors (PSDs) are integrated with the train doors and signalling system at every station. The train only departs once the main doors and PSDs are securely closed. Additionally, manual locks are available for passenger use in case the doors do not open automatically.
Inside each compartment, passengers find two rows of seats on either side of a spacious aisle, ensuring comfortable travel. Safety handles above and below the seats provide added security. CCTV cameras are installed in every coach, with field officers at the stations monitoring footage and coordinating during emergencies.
All stations feature diaper changing stations, separate restrooms for women, and well-equipped first aid kits. For medical emergencies, centralized accident and trauma services can be promptly accessed through ambulance services.
The last coach offers extra space for stretchers and wheelchairs, along with a ramp for convenient boarding and alighting.
With a commitment to diversity and local employment, women are expected to make up 50% of the staff at all stations. Preference is given to residents of neighboring areas during the recruitment process to ensure employment opportunities for locals.
Fast Trains History
India’s railway infrastructure has witnessed remarkable progress, leading to the introduction of numerous high-speed and rapid train services. Here’s an overview of some notable fast trains in India:
- Gatimaan Express: Serving as India’s inaugural semi-high-speed train, Gatimaan Express links Delhi and Agra with a maximum speed of 160 km/h, significantly reducing the travel time between these two iconic cities.
- Vande Bharat Express (Train 18): This homegrown high-speed marvel, Vande Bharat Express, operates between Delhi and Varanasi. It is renowned for its contemporary amenities and a remarkable top speed of 180 km/h.
- Shatabdi Express: A collection of swift day-trains connecting major urban centers, Shatabdi Express services are celebrated for their swiftness and passenger comfort. Their speeds typically range from 120 km/h to 150 km/h.
- Rajdhani Express: Rajdhani Express links India’s prominent cities to the national capital, New Delhi. These trains are renowned for their celerity and opulent facilities, traversing extended distances at speeds of up to 140 km/h.
- Duronto Express: Duronto Express trains offer non-stop point-to-point connectivity, making them swift and time-efficient options for traveling between major Indian cities.
Related Reading: Vande Bharat Express: The Pride of Indian Railways
- Tejas Express: Tejas Express is a semi-high-speed service that offers state-of-the-art amenities. It connects cities such as Mumbai, Goa, and Ahmedabad while achieving speeds of up to 160 km/h.
- Humsafar Express: Humsafar Express trains are tailored for speed and enhanced passenger convenience, operating across various routes throughout India.
- Double Decker Express: Designed for efficiency and rapid transit, Double Decker Express trains feature multiple seating levels and serve select routes across the nation.
- Uday Express: Uday Express offers a luxurious double-decker train experience and connects cities like Coimbatore and Bangalore. It provides elevated speed and comfort for passengers.
- Gatiman Express: In addition to the Gatimaan Express mentioned earlier, there are other semi-high-speed trains like the Shri Shakti Express and Mahamana Express, all engineered to facilitate faster connectivity.
These fast train services in India present travelers with an efficient and comfortable means of covering substantial distances, thereby saving time and enhancing the overall travel experience. The ongoing development of high-speed rail projects in India promises even faster and more advanced train services in the near future.