Prime Minister will dedicate the country’s first rapid train

• The first rapid train, starting on October 21, will cover a 17 km route in just 12 to 15 minutes. It will serve five stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and Duhai Depot.
• In the second phase, this train will go from Delhi Ashram to Meerut (82 km), which will have a total of 25 stations and this distance will be completed in 50 to 55 minutes.

New Delhi: India’s first Regional Rail, RAPIDX, is a unique transit system for regional commutes. The first 82 km corridor between Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut is under construction. The priority section, 17 km long, between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot, will begin passenger operations on 21.10.2023. This section includes five stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and Duhai Depot.

The RAPIDX trains have an operational speed of 160 kmph and offer fully air-conditioned comfort. They feature commuter-centric amenities like 2×2 seating, standing space, CCTV, charging facilities, route maps, ambient lighting control and HVAC. Operations run from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, with the first and last trains in both directions at those times.

RAPIDX initially offers trains every 15 minutes, with the ability to increase frequency as needed. Each train has 6 coaches, accommodating around 1700 commuters, with 72 seats in a Standard Coach and 62 seats in a Premium Coach.

In RAPIDX, one coach is reserved for women, and seats are reserved for women, specially-abled, and senior citizens in other coaches. Each train includes a Premium coach with amenities like reclining seats, coat hooks, magazine holders, and footrests, located as the first and last coach in the direction of travel.

• There are various ticketing options available for commuters:
• Paper QR code-based journey ticket
• Ticket Vending Machine
• National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) Card
• Digital QR code-based Ticket

For ticketing issues, there’s a Customer Care Centre near the AFC gate. The last coach of RAPIDX trains has space for wheelchairs and stretchers. Platform displays provide train arrival times, with regular announcements at the station. Seats are available on the platform for commuters to wait comfortably.

At RAPIDX stations, you’ll find drinking water and washrooms in the paid area. Women’s washrooms have diaper-changing stations. Get train info from the Information Desk, ‘RAPIDX Connect’ app, or call the RAPIDX Customer Service Centre at 08069651515. First Aid is available, and ambulance service can be arranged through CATS in case of a medical emergency.

The Government of Uttar Pradesh has entrusted the responsibility of security of all the stations in the state to the Uttar Pradesh Special Security Force (UPSSF) and in Delhi security at the stations will be ensured by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

To ensure comprehensive coverage of the surrounding regions, these mobility partners have outlined tentative routes from each of the priority section stations. These routes will extend over approximately 9 kilometres, encompassing not only urban areas like Raj Nagar Extension, Jagriti Vihar, and GDA Colony but also vital village communities such as Bikanpur, Milak Chakarpur, Shahpur Nij Morta, Basantpur Senthali, and Atour Nagla.

This move aims to bridge the last mile gap between destinations and public transit, effectively addressing the long-standing challenges faced by commuters due to inadequate or unavailability of transportation options.