Alstom, has inaugurated India's first semi-high-speed regional rail service, RAPIDX. The service was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, and other government dignitaries.
RAPIDX will operate on the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor, which is being constructed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC). The first phase of the corridor, a 17-kilometer section between Duhai and Sahibabad, will be operational from October 21, 2023.
The RAPIDX is based on the Adessia commuter train family and was designed and manufactured in India, with the propulsion systems and electricals manufactured in Alstom’s factory in Gujurat.
Alstom is making the world debut of ETCS (European Train Control System) Level 3 signalling on the RAPIDX project. ETCS Level 3 is commonplace on continental Europe and is currently being implemented on the East Coast Mainline in the UK. It is regarded as the most advanced level of ETCS currently available.
The RAPIDX trains also boast state-of-the-art technology, including the world debut of integrated Platform Screen Doors using Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication which allows the screen doors to communicate with the signalling system, further enhancing the safety and Automatic Train Protection (ATP).
The primary purpose of this Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is to relieve the traffic congestion in the national capital and help de-urbanise the city by offering faster commuter travel. Since 2002, after the opening of 1st section of DMRC, the metro network has grown at a rapid pace, and the RRTS network will complement the metro, helping growth in the sector.
Commenting on this landmark moment, Olivier Loison, managing director - Alstom India said, “It is a moment of pride for us at Alstom to yet again be a part of India’s Rail Revolution.
RAPIDX will be a first-of-its-kind experience for Indian commuters for its speed, advanced technology and passenger experience. This project also marks the world premiere of several new signalling technologies which will set new benchmarks in the rail space globally.
“All of this is set to make sustainable mobility at scale real in India. These Made in India trains reflect our robust capabilities, and we are truly humbled to be contributing to India’s rail-based infrastructure growth.”
Photo and Video: Alstom
