Tracks Ready At Duhai Depot For Arrival Of First RRTS Train From Savli

The first trainset of the regional rapid transit system (RRTS), handed over to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), is slated to arrive at Duhai depot in Ghaziabad soon.

The tracks have been laid out and preparations are in full swing for the test of the train at the depot. For the operation of the RRTS trains, an administrative building has also been constructed in the depot.

For testing and maintenance of the RRTS trains, 11 stabling lines, two workshop lines, three internal-bay lines (IBL), and one heavy internal cleaning (HEC) line are being constructed.

The construction of one workshop and one IBL line is in the final stage, while the work on the rest of the lines has been completed.

The trainset for India's first RRTS was handed over to NCRTC on 7 May at Savli in Gujarat.

Stabilising lines are used to upload and park the trains. The maintenance of trains and rectification of technical faults are carried out on workshop lines. IBL lines are used for testing of trains and HEC lines are used to clean the interiors of the trains.

Before the RRTS trains are made operational for the public, they undergo various types of testing. They are tested through various processes to ensure signalling, rolling stock, and continuous power supply.

After the success of all the testing procedures, a pre-operational trial is conducted. Only after the success of the pre-operational trials is the train made operational for passengers.

Other works, including the installation of roof shed for trains and construction of the underpass and boundary wall in Duhai depot are being carried out at a brisk pace. The installation work of OHE for the power supply for trains is also set to commence soon. Poles and cantilevers have already been installed for the setup of OHE in the depot. Soon, the entire depot will be ready for the operation of trains.

In addition, the construction of the viaduct connecting the Duhai RRTS station with the Duhai depot is also moving at pace. With the completion of this viaduct, the line will be ready for the trains to exit the depot. The track laying and installation of OHE in the priority section are also in progress.

The 17-km-long priority section has five stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and Duhai Depot. NCRTC is planning to commence the trial runs on the priority section by the end of this year and to make it operational for the public by 2023.