New Delhi, Oct 20: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate India’s first semi-high-speed regional rail service, known as RapidX, on October 20. The service has been renamed ‘NaMo Bharat.’
This new rail service will establish the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in India by connecting Sahibabad and Duhai Depot stations. It’s expected to revolutionize regional development by providing high-speed intercity commuting at a frequency of every 15 minutes, with the flexibility to increase the frequency to every five minutes as needed.
The renaming of the service as ‘NaMo Bharat’ has drawn criticism from the Congress party. General Secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of self-obsession.
The inauguration is taking place shortly after a cricket stadium in Ahmedabad was named after PM Modi. The initial rail service will cover a 17-km priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor, scheduled to open for passengers on October 21. This priority section will include five stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and Duhai Depot.
The launch of ‘NaMo Bharat’ marks a significant step in India’s transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity. The new rail service is expected to enhance the convenience of commuting between different cities, thereby contributing to economic growth and urban development.
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Critics have voiced concerns about the name change, viewing it as a sign of political self-promotion. However, supporters of the project argue that the improved rail service will bring considerable benefits to the region and its residents. The ability to increase service frequency as needed demonstrates the adaptability of the Regional Rapid Transit System to meet the evolving transportation needs of the area.
The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor represents a major milestone in India’s rail infrastructure development. It promises to provide efficient, high-speed connectivity to several cities in the region and is a testament to the country’s commitment to advancing its transportation networks. As the inaugural section prepares to open, it will be closely watched for its impact on regional mobility and accessibility, setting the stage for further expansion of the RRTS across India.
