The Namo Bharat is an Indian electric multiple unit (EMU) train built for RapidX (Regional Rapid Transit services).[6] The train was designed by the French rolling stock manufacturer Alstom at its engineering centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, and was manufactured in Savli, Gujarat. The train has an aerodynamic design which reduces the drag when it travels. The train has a design speed of 180 km/h (110 mph) and is operated at a speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).[1][7]
| Namo Bharat | |
|---|---|
 Namo Bharat Train in Meerut | |
 Interior of the trainset. | |
| In service | 2023–present |
| Manufacturer | Alstom Transport India Limited[1] |
| Designer | Alstom in Hyderabad[1] |
| Assembly | Alstom in Savli[1] |
| Built at | Alstom Savli plant (formerly Bombardier Transportation)[1] |
| Constructed | 8 May 2022[1] |
| Entered service | 20 October 2023 |
| Number built | 210[2] |
| Number in service | 1 |
| Formation | 8 or 16 cars per trainset |
| Capacity | 407 (seating) 1,061(standing)[3] |
| Owners | NCRTC |
| Operators | DB RRTS Operations India Pvt. Ltd.[4] |
| Depots | 1 |
| Lines served | 1 |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | stainless steel body |
| Car length | 22 m[2] |
| Width | 3.20 m[2] |
| Doors | Automatic[1] |
| Maximum speed |
|
| Power supply | 25 kV 50 Hz AC |
| HVAC | yes |
| Safety system(s) | ETCS Level 2 with ATO subsystem supported by Nokia 4.9G/LTE private wireless network[5] |
| Seating | 2x2[1] |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
Currently, it is running and operational on Delhi Meerut RRTS system.
History
editAs the RapidX service was conceived, there was a need for a new semi-high-speed trainset, specifically built for the purpose of semi-high-speed regional rail travel.[8] In accordance with the Make in India initiative, the train sets were set to be locally built after the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) opened the tenders for the same in 2019.[9] In early 2020, NCRTC finalised the procurement of train set, which were set to be manufactured by Bombardier Transportation in Savli. The tender was finalised for the train to have 50% of the local components as opposed to the original requirement of 75% in line with the Make in India initiative.[10] Later in the year, the train's design was unveiled to the public. The stainless steel body of the train was designed to have a maximum speed of 180 km/h.[11]
On 19 October 2023, the trainset was named Namo Bharat.[12]
On 20 October 2023, the trainset was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and entered service.
On 21 October 2023, the trainset made its commercial debut in the Duhai - Sahibabad section.[13]
Engineering
editExterior
editThe train is designed to have a stainless steel body with an aerodynamic nose cone to reduce the air drag resistance produced while travelling at higher speeds.[1] The train is relatively lighter in weight thanks to its stainless steel body. For easier entry and exit, each car is equipped with six doors, three on each side, excluding the Business class which has four doors, two on each side. Each car has double glazed, tempered safety glass windows.[11]
Interior
editThe train has a 2x2 seating arrangement with adequate legroom for the passengers. The aisles have grab handles and poles for standing passengers during the peak hours. Since it is built for regional rail service, it has an overhead luggage rack. When it comes to digital features the train has on-board Wi-Fi, a public announcement and display system, an infotainment display, a dynamic route map display and emergency communication facilities. For efficient consumption of energy, the trainsets include ambient lighting and temperature control systems. The train is also accessible with a dedicated wheelchair space. When it comes to safety, the train is equipped with a fire & smoke detector, CCTV, fire extinguisher and door status indicator along with innovative Train Control Monitoring System technology, and its predictive and condition-based monitoring features.[11]
Technology
editThe trainset is equipped with a new signalling technology called "ETCS L3 hybrid technology over LTE" which helps contribute to safety, facilitating interoperability, reducing wait time and enabling efficiency. There are plans to equip the trainset with Automatic Train Operation (ATO) over Long Term Evolution (LTE) in the future to further increase network performance and capacity.[13]
In service
editThe Namo Bharat trainset was brought into service when the Delhi Meerut RRTS (RapidX) line was inaugurated on 20 October 2023. The trainset is expected to be used in other proposed RapidX routes as well.[12]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Delhi-Meerut RRTS: Made in India trainset handed over for Phase 1 project". Financialexpress. 8 May 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ a b c "Bombardier Unveils Delhi - Meerut RRTS' Train Design". The Metro Rail Guy. 25 September 2020. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ "First RRTS train set to be handed over on Saturday, to reach Duhai soon". The Times of India. 6 May 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ "Multi-million-euro contract to operate a new regional rapid transit system in India between Delhi and Meerut". Deutsche Bahn (Press release). 4 July 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ "Nokia tests mission-critical voice and data on 4.9G private wireless network for NCRTC". ET Telecom. 4 August 2022. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
- ^ "PM Modi flags off 'RapidX', India's first regional rapid rail service; all you need to know". Business Today. 20 October 2023. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
- ^ "New Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) trains to be known as 'Namo Bharat'". The Times of India. 20 October 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
- ^ "Hi-speed rail to turn into metro in Meerut, to save Rs 6,300 crore". Hindustan Times. 19 February 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ Patel, Aradhana (11 October 2019). "Delhi-Meerut RRTS Train coaches to make under 'Make in India' initiative". Metro Rail News. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ "Features of Made in India trainsets for Delhi-Meerut rapid rail transport system". Livemint. 10 May 2020.
- ^ a b c "Delhi-Meerut RRTS: Travel from Delhi to Meerut in 60 minutes on these world-class train sets; see pics". Financial Express. 25 September 2020.
- ^ a b "India's 1st Regional Rail Service RapidX Renamed NaMo Bharat". NDTV.com. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
- ^ a b "India's first semi high-speed regional train by Alstom – NaMo Bharat gets inaugurated, sets a new world standard in advanced signalling technology". Alstom. Retrieved 23 October 2023.