New Delhi, India – 2024, September: NCRTC has been bestowed with the prestigious ‘Best Transit Award’ for smooth connectivity and ‘Overall Winner Award’ at the UIC Sustainability Impact Awards 2024. The awards have been bestowed by the International Union of Railways (UIC) with Sustainable Development Foundation into its book of honors for the innovative public transport solutions and commitment to sustainability in transportation through the operation of the high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System.
NCRTC’s MD Shalabh Goel feels elated by these awards. “These awards are a testament to NCRTC’s efforts in making sustainable commuter-friendly transit solutions,” he added. One of the factors cited as the reason that won an award is the seamless multimodal integration to connect RRTS stations with public transport systems like MRTS buses and railway stations. Goel attributed success to NCRTC’s advanced technological deployments and efforts in reducing reliance on personal vehicles, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.
Innovative Transit Solutions
The UIC Sustainability Impact Awards are granted to organizations worldwide based on their efforts towards the adoption of sustainability in railway and transit sectors. Best Transit is NCRTC’s initiative towards building a very integrated, commuter-centric system that facilitates easy connectivity to the National Capital Region. The whole NCRTC approach focuses on first- and last-mile connectivity opportunities, which allow proper accessibility for commuters to various transport options.
At the heart of this smooth integration lies NCRTC’s roll out of the European Train Control System Level 2 Hybrid and Level 3 signalling system over Long-Term Evolution. In simple words, this advanced system enables real-time, interruption-free train operation along multiple RRTS corridors. The UIC awards committee was very appreciative of this innovation as this is the first in the world and can be enabled to offer seamless interoperability for the new RRTS routes.
Environmental Benefits and Emission Reduction
It is designed to reduce vehicular emissions by promoting use of public transport rather than personal vehicles. The flagship project of the NCRTC is the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, which is expected to drastically cut air pollution and traffic congestion in the NCR. This was estimated to reduce 250,000 tonnes of vehicular emissions annually. Along with other initiatives of India, this will contribute towards the larger aim of climate change actions working towards curtailing global warming.
The NCRTC also pursues the implementation of renewable energy in its operations. Thus, the generation of 11 MW of solar power over the next five years through RRTS on rooftops of stations and depots, through India’s National Solar Mission, will be achieved. Renewable energy fuels not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also embarks on initiatives to create a clean and affordable energy supply. This commitment places NCRTC at the forefront of mainstream partners in promoting sustainable solutions for urban mobility.
Promotion of Gender Equality and Inclusivity
NCRTC’s efforts are not only environmental but also meaningful in the promotion of gender equality within the organization. There has been a collection of gender-sensitive designs in its stations and trains. These include whole ladies’ coaches, providing a safe means of commute for women passengers on the train. Inclusivity is also communicated through the composition of the workforce maintained by the corporation. The transportation sector remains a man’s domain, while NCRTC is proud to have more than 50% of women working as train operators and station controllers. Additionally, the corporation provides skill development programs, through which it empowers women and provides them with a career in transit operation.
‘Very pertinent’ – ‘Make in India’ standards achieved
Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS is the first train project to be conceptualized on the government’s ‘Make in India’ and contributing to ‘Make for India’ to enhance domestic manufacturing, technological development, and progress for the country. Technology at international standard is used by NCRTC for this project, emerging as a model for other emerging markets targeting an augmentation of their urban transit system.
The NCRTC project not only enhances the quality of public transport in India but also enhances the economic competitiveness of that nation by improving on the efficiency of connectivity at the regional level. Thus, the RRTS expansion is currently underway, integrated into Delhi-Alwar and Delhi-Panipat corridors, which will result in a strong network across NCR. Integration will greatly reduce traffic congestion, increase commuter convenience, and ultimately boost the regional economy.
Future: The RRTS Rollout.
RRTS Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut has already partially opened up, and now between Sahibabad and Meerut South a 42 km stretch is open to commuters. This nine-station railway line is known for its punctuality, safety, and convenience. The whole 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, including the Meerut Metro, is expected to be fully operational by June 2025.
Once it is constructed, the corridor shall provide faster, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly modes of commuting to and around one of the world’s most densely populated areas to help ease congestion while paving the way for far more environmentally friendly forms of transportation. RRTS shall promise to transform the landscape of the future of public transport in India through offering a secure and eco-friendly mobility option for the millions crossing the NCR.
Conclusion
NCRTC’s success in winning the UIC Sustainability Impact Awards 2024 testified to the corporeality’s innovative leadership in public transportation to be sustainable. The company was pioneering in integrating multiple modes, advances in signalling technologies, and sustainability. It has all been there toward new green urban transit. NCRTC’s transformation is not just changing the way people travel within the NCR but is also setting a new precedential standard in the development of sustainable infrastructure worldwide.
Source: Official Statement by NCRTC