Today, New Delhi celebrated the first anniversary of Namo Bharat Trains’ operations, marking the occasion as Namo Bharat Diwas. The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) hosted a special evening event to honor this significant milestone in India’s transportation history. The event was attended by Hon’ble Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, and Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu. Also present were Shri Shalabh Goel, Managing Director of NCRTC, along with other NCRTC Directors, to join in the celebrations.
At the event, Excellence Awards were presented to outstanding employees for their contributions towards the success of the Namo Bharat initiative.
Addressing the occasion, Shri Manohar Lal expressed that this achievement is a moment of immense pride and a significant step towards a Viksit Bharat.
“We rank third globally in terms of the longest metro network and might surpass the US in the coming years,” the Union Minister stated. He also highlighted the importance of focusing on research and development to ensure hassle-free services for the public.
The Namo Bharat Trains, India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), began with the inauguration of the 17-kilometer priority section between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 20 October 2023. Since then, two more sections have become operational: the 17-kilometer stretch between Duhai and Modinagar North on 6 March 2024, and the Meerut South RRTS station on 18 August 2024.
Addressed the inaugural Namo Bharat Diwas to mark the completion of one year of Namo Bharat train operations.
— Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar) October 21, 2024
Namo Bharat trains have significantly transformed commuting by successfully serving over 40 lakhs passengers in the first year of operations.
RRTS has well and… pic.twitter.com/5k7Qr1MDcq
Currently, Namo Bharat services cover a 42-kilometer corridor with nine stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, Duhai Depot, Muradnagar, Modi Nagar South, Modi Nagar North, and Meerut South. The corridor is set to expand to 54 kilometers with the upcoming addition of the Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar section, connecting key stations such as Anand Vihar and New Ashok Nagar.
The RRTS stands out by offering high-speed, efficient connectivity between suburban areas, significantly reducing commute times over longer distances, and reinforcing India’s commitment to developing sustainable urban transport solutions.
RRTS Technology Highlights:
High-Speed Trains: The RRTS trains are designed to operate at speeds up to 180 km/h, significantly reducing travel time between cities and suburban areas.
Advanced Signaling Systems: The system uses state-of-the-art signaling technology, including the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, which ensures safe and efficient train operations.
Energy Efficiency: The trains are equipped with regenerative braking systems that recover energy during braking and feed it back into the power grid, enhancing overall energy efficiency.
Passenger Comfort: The trains feature modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, ergonomic seating, and real-time passenger information systems to enhance the travel experience.
Sustainability: The RRTS infrastructure incorporates green building practices and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels installed at stations and depots, to minimize environmental impact.
Seamless Connectivity: The RRTS integrates with other modes of public transport, including metro, bus, and feeder services, providing a seamless travel experience for passengers.
The RRTS technology not only improves connectivity but also supports India’s vision of sustainable and efficient urban transportation.
European Train Control System (ETCS):
The ETCS is a cutting-edge signaling and train control system designed to replace the various incompatible systems used by railways across Europe and beyond. It is a key component of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), aimed at enhancing interoperability, safety, and efficiency in rail transport.
Levels of ETCS:
- ETCS Level 1: Uses trackside equipment to communicate with trains via balises (transponders) placed between the rails. It provides intermittent updates to the train driver.
- ETCS Level 2: Offers continuous communication between the train and trackside equipment using GSM-R (a railway-specific mobile communication system). This level allows for cab signaling, where all necessary information is displayed in the driver’s cab, eliminating the need for trackside signals.
- ETCS Level 3: Builds on Level 2 by introducing train integrity monitoring, which allows for even more efficient use of track capacity by reducing the need for fixed block sections.
Safety and Efficiency:
- Automatic Train Protection (ATP): ETCS includes ATP features that automatically enforce speed limits and signal aspects, preventing collisions and derailments.
- Interoperability: By standardizing signaling systems, ETCS ensures that trains from different countries can operate seamlessly across borders, enhancing international rail connectivity.
- Capacity and Speed: ETCS allows for higher train speeds and increased line capacity by optimizing train headways and reducing the need for physical signals.
Implementation:
The integration of ETCS in the Namo Bharat RRTS ensures that the system benefits from the latest advancements in rail signaling technology, providing safe, efficient, and reliable services to passengers.
RRTS Technology Highlights:
High-Speed Trains: The RRTS trains are designed to operate at speeds up to 180 km/h, significantly reducing travel time between cities and suburban areas.
Advanced Signaling Systems: The system uses state-of-the-art signaling technology, including the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, which ensures safe and efficient train operations.
Energy Efficiency: The trains are equipped with regenerative braking systems that recover energy during braking and feed it back into the power grid, enhancing overall energy efficiency.
Passenger Comfort: The trains feature modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, ergonomic seating, and real-time passenger information systems to enhance the travel experience.
Sustainability: The RRTS infrastructure incorporates green building practices and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels installed at stations and depots, to minimize environmental impact.
Seamless Connectivity: The RRTS integrates with other modes of public transport, including metro, bus, and feeder services, providing a seamless travel experience for passengers.
The RRTS technology not only improves connectivity but also supports India’s vision of sustainable and efficient urban transportation.
European Train Control System (ETCS):
The ETCS is a cutting-edge signaling and train control system designed to replace the various incompatible systems used by railways across Europe and beyond. It is a key component of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), aimed at enhancing interoperability, safety, and efficiency in rail transport.
Levels of ETCS:
- ETCS Level 1: Uses trackside equipment to communicate with trains via balises (transponders) placed between the rails. It provides intermittent updates to the train driver.
- ETCS Level 2: Offers continuous communication between the train and trackside equipment using GSM-R (a railway-specific mobile communication system). This level allows for cab signaling, where all necessary information is displayed in the driver’s cab, eliminating the need for trackside signals.
- ETCS Level 3: Builds on Level 2 by introducing train integrity monitoring, which allows for even more efficient use of track capacity by reducing the need for fixed block sections.
Safety and Efficiency:
- Automatic Train Protection (ATP): ETCS includes ATP features that automatically enforce speed limits and signal aspects, preventing collisions and derailments.
- Interoperability: By standardizing signaling systems, ETCS ensures that trains from different countries can operate seamlessly across borders, enhancing international rail connectivity.
- Capacity and Speed: ETCS allows for higher train speeds and increased line capacity by optimizing train headways and reducing the need for physical signals.
Implementation:
The integration of ETCS in the Namo Bharat RRTS ensures that the system benefits from the latest advancements in rail signaling technology, providing safe, efficient, and reliable services to passengers.
