A senior delegation from AIIB, along with DEA officials, visited India’s first RRTS corridor from Delhi to Meerut, experiencing cutting-edge technologies and commuter-centric features. This visit highlighted NCRTC’s groundbreaking initiatives, workforce diversity, and AIIB’s role in supporting this transformative transit project.
Introduction:
On November 11, 2024, a high-level delegation from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), joined by officials from the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, visited the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. The visit underscored AIIB’s commitment to India’s infrastructure, with India being a founding member and holding the largest financing portfolio in AIIB at USD 10.8 billion.
Welcoming the Delegation:
The delegation, led by AIIB’s Board of Directors, was welcomed by Shri Shalabh Goel, Managing Director of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), at Gatishakti Bhawan. During their visit, NCRTC presented an in-depth overview of the RRTS project, covering the innovative approaches, unique challenges, and solutions developed throughout the project lifecycle.
Experience on the Namo Bharat Train:
- The delegation took a round trip on the Namo Bharat train, travelling from Sahibabad to Duhai station, where they experienced firsthand the commuter-centric features of the RRTS.
- This included advanced safety measures, user-friendly design, and services aimed at ensuring commuter comfort.
- AIIB members specifically noted the inclusion of women in key operational roles, such as train operators and station controllers, reflecting NCRTC’s commitment to a diverse workforce.
Technological Advancements:
The visit included a demonstration of several pioneering technologies, with a particular focus on the adoption of European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-2 signalling over an LTE backbone. This technology, being implemented for the first time in India on this scale, represents a breakthrough in safety and efficiency for high-speed regional transit.
Interest in Knowledge Sharing and Stakeholder Engagement:
AIIB’s delegates expressed keen interest in the NCRTC’s knowledge-sharing initiatives, which aim to disseminate best practices and lessons learned from the RRTS project within India and internationally. The delegation also appreciated NCRTC’s active stakeholder-engagement programs, which encourage community involvement and feedback.
AIIB’s Financial Commitment:
- AIIB’s significant financial support for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, including a USD 500 million loan facilitated through the Asian Development Bank (ADB), underlines its commitment to India’s transit infrastructure.
- This collaboration marks a milestone in AIIB’s ongoing partnership with India to support large-scale, transformative projects.
Conclusion:
The visit by AIIB and DEA representatives to the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor highlights the critical role of international partnerships in advancing India’s transportation infrastructure. The delegation’s positive feedback reaffirms NCRTC’s strides in commuter-focused design, technological innovation, and a commitment to workforce diversity.
Source: NCRTC – Press Release | Images Credit: NCRTC
