PM Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off the country’s first rapid rail in the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor. RapidX trains have started running on the tracks on the 17 km long first section today i.e. 21st October from 6 am, which will remain operational between 11 pm.
At present these trains will be available every 15 minutes. Passengers do not need to stand in line for tickets. Passengers can get paper tickets with the help of QR code. Currently, this train will run only on the 17 kilometer route from Sahibabad to Duhai depot.
This is the first phase of this train, in which first Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai and Duhai Depot stations i.e. a total of 5 stations have been built. Fare in standard class of RapidX will start from Rs 20. Whereas in premium class this ticket will be Rs 40.
In standard class, the fare from Sahibabad to Duhai depot will be Rs 50, while in premium class, the fare for the same distance from Sahibabad to Duhai depot will be Rs 100. Whereas children less than 90 cm height will be able to travel for free. Also, passengers will be able to carry luggage up to 25 kg with them.
In this train, such coaches have been fitted with comfortable seats for long journeys. A good amount of space has also been given in the corridor inside the metro. There will be many facilities like 2×2 transverse seats, ample space to travel while standing, luggage rack, CCTV cameras, laptop/mobile charging facility, dynamic route map, etc.
About 1700 passengers will be able to travel in this train at a time. The premium coaches of the train will have many additional facilities like reclining seats, coat hooks, magazine holders and footrests. For passengers traveling by premium coach, a premium lounge has been provided at the platform level, through which entry into the premium coach will be available only.
Equipped with comfortable padded seats, this lounge will feature a vending machine from where snacks or drinks can be purchased. One coach in the train has been reserved for women passengers. Besides, there will be facility of stretcher and wheel chair for transporting patients.
Special care has also been taken for the safety of disabled passengers during their journey and medical facilities in case of emergency. Route map display has been installed in the coach of the train, through which passengers will be able to know about the speed and next station.
Additionally, the coach has been fitted with an emergency connectivity system, allowing passengers to use the direct assistance call point at the concourse/platform level to contact station authorities during an emergency.
Arrangements for lifts and escalators were made for the passengers to reach the three to four floor high station. The interior walls of the station are decorated with beautiful wall paintings. These hand-made paintings have transformed the interior of the station into a vibrant and attractive environment. The beauty of these wall paintings will provide travelers some moments of relaxation in their busy lives.