India’s first semi-high-speed regional train for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project

Delhi, home to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, welcomes 57 million citizens every day. Despite its impressive scale, the city has long grappled with transportation challenges, making it difficult for commuters to navigate its streets easily. Delhi State has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to enhance mobility and alleviate congestion: creating a nationwide network of Regional Rapid Transport Systems (RRTS). This ambitious project represents a significant leap forward for India’s transportation infrastructure, promising to revolutionize how people move around the country. At its core is a semi-high-speed train connecting major regional urban centres, with a design speed of 180 kilometres per hour. Set to debut on the Delhi-Meerut corridor, this pioneering service will transform commuting with plans for eight more lines in the works.

As India modernizes and grows, investments in sustainable and efficient transportation systems like the RRTS will shape the country’s future. The first 82-kilometre line, with an investment of €3.8 billion for its construction, will be implemented under this project.

Ayesa, in partnership with Italferr, has been entrusted with providing consulting and engineering services for one of India’s most ambitious transportation projects. The project aims to develop a nationwide network of Regional Rapid Transport Systems (RRTS), with the first semi-high-speed train scheduled to launch on the Delhi-Meerut corridor, followed by eight more lines.

As part of this massive undertaking, Ayesa is responsible for supervising the entire railway corridor (excluding civil engineering), covering the bidding and design phase, commissioning and operations, inspection, and statutory approvals. Other vital services provided by the team include conducting critical studies, proposing value-additions, managing procurement, verifying designs, integrating systems, and managing interfaces.

In addition to overseeing the implementation of all system activities, such as rolling stock, electrical and mechanical systems, solar systems, power supply, traction, signaling, automatic ticketing, platform doors, and telecommunications systems, Ayesa is also responsible for developing and implementing the Quality Assurance Plan, updating and implementing the Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) Plan, and adhering to the guidelines and policies set by the NHRC National Commission for Civil and Political Rights in India.

The Regional Rapid Transport System (RRTS) will provide sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 150,000 tons annually.

This high-speed train will improve mobility for the residents of New Delhi and its metropolitan area by covering 82 kilometers in just 62 minutes, reducing travel time between Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut by almost half.

The project will create 800,000 direct and indirect jobs, improve connectivity, and facilitate the movement of goods and services, thus having a positive impact on the region’s economy. It is part of a larger vision for an integrated transportation network in the National Capital Region that includes high-speed rail corridors, metro lines, and bus rapid transit systems.