PM Modi Flags Off 'Namo Bharat', India's First Regional Rapid Train Service

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the first corridor of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in Uttar Pradesh’s Sahibabad today.

PM Modi flaged off the RapidX train connecting Sahibabad to Duhai depot, marking the launch of RRTS in India. This is India’s first RapidX train which will be known as NaMo Bharat.

The priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor is being launched from the Sahibabad RAPIDX station. 

The initiative is expected to transform regional development by offering high-speed intercity commuting every 15 minutes, with the potential to increase frequency to every five minutes as required.

The Congress party criticised the Prime Minister for the name change, with General Secretary Jairam Ramesh accusing him of self-obsession.

The launch comes after a cricket stadium in Ahmedabad was named after PM Modi. The inaugural rail service will cover a 17-km priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor, which is set to open for passengers on October 21. This priority section will have five stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai and Duhai Depot.

Every RAPIDX train has six coaches, which also includes a premium coach. One coach in every train is reserved for women and it is the coach next to the premium coach. Seats in the coaches are serially numbered.

Premium coaches have a seat with a different colour code, a provision for installing a vending machine in future, besides a host of additional commuter-centric features like reclining seats, coat hooks, magazine holders and footrests.

For enhanced safety, every RRTS station is equipped with platform screen doors (PSDs). These PSDs are integrated with RRTS train doors and the signaling system.