India’s first semi-high-speed regional train has been delivered by Alstom for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS project

Alstom has delivered the first train in under a year since production got underway at its factory in Savli (Gujarat) in India

A global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, Alstom has now seen the successful delivery of India’s first semi-high-speed regional train which will operate for the National Capital Region Transport Corporation’s (NCRTC) 82.5km long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS line.

A ceremony was held for the trains rollout and took place at Alstom’s factory in Savli, Gujarat which saw Shri. Manoj Joshi – Chairman of NCRTC, Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Govt. of India, Shri. Vinay Kumar Singh, Managing Director of NCRTC and Mr Alain Spohr – Managing Director of Alstom India in attendance.

The semi-high-speed sleek trains can operate at speeds of 180kmph and are expected to cut travel time by 40% between Dehli and Meerut. The innovative trains are energy efficient and will provide customers with excellent comfort and safety features making for a superb passenger experience for commuters and accessibility.

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India said,

“It is a proud moment for all of us to witness the rollout of the RRTS trainset, which is a true manifestation of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of an ‘Aatmanirbhar India’. Designed in India, made in India, made for India – it is the perfect demonstration of the PM’s Make in India initiative. It is imperative that we plan efficient public transport to fully harness the potential of our metropolitan cities so that we truly make them the engines of growth for tomorrow’s economy.”

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Alain Spohr, Managing Director, Alstom India said,

“We are proud to reach another key milestone in making India’s first semi high-speed regional commuter service a reality. The RRTS project is one of the most ambitious ventures in India’s mobility sector and will prove to be a game-changer in India’s regional rail segment. Our trains and ETCS signalling systems will ensure safer and seamless intercity commutes, benefitting millions of people and contributing towards socio-economic development. Delivering the first train within a year of commencing production, reinstates Alstom’s commitment to revolutionise India’s rail networks. We are honoured to be the preferred partner in delivering ground-breaking sustainable technology solutions that cater to the transportation needs of India’s future.”

Shri. Manoj Joshi, Chairman for NCRTC, Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Govt. of India said:

“I am extremely happy to witness the rolling out of the first RRTS trainset, today. With its extensive experience in delivering world-class sustainable mobility solutions globally, Alstom has contributed significantly to make this project a reality. As a mechanical engineering myself, I’m impressed to see the advanced facilities set up here by Alstom. This train is a shining example of our commitment to support the PM’s ‘Make in India’ mission. With the Indian government’s ambition to build mass rapid transport systems across the country, we are elated to be contributing towards the development of this ecosystem in India and accelerating the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.”

The train has been designed using Alstom’s Hyderabad engineering centre seeing manufacture at Savli (Gujarat) and originated fully in line with the Indian government’s Make in India programme and Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s ambition.

Alstom’s factory in Maneja (Gujarat) saw the manufacture of the propulsion systems and the electrics with the Savli site producing bogies and car bodies alongside testing. The Savli site has also seen the delivery of trains for the Dehli Metro, Queensland Rail and is producing metro trains for Kanpur and Agra cities at the moment.

2020 Saw Alstom awarded with a €436m contract which includes:

The design, build, and delivery of 210 regional commuter and transit train cars with comprehensive maintenance services for 15 years
The design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of signalling & train control, supervision, platform screen doors and telecommunication systems

The fully air-conditioned trains also feature ergonomically built 2×2 transverse seating, broad gangways which offer good standing space, overhead luggage racks, CCTV, fire and smoke detectors, intercom, fire extinguisher, exterior camera, door status indicators, grab handles, Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, dynamic route display maps, auto controlled ambient lighting, large windows to enjoy panoramic views. The trains also feature ergonomically designed areas to provide accessibility in case of medical emergencies.

The first train design was influenced by Delhi’s well-known monument the ‘Lotus Temple’ and was revealed back in September 2020. The manufacturing process got underway in early July 2021 with the first train delivered in less than a year.

The RRTS line is the very first in India to take on the European Train Control System (ETCS) hybrid Level 2 signalling system which is the core signalling and train control component of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).

The contract also acts as a world premiere for bringing together the latest ETCS standard, supported by the latest digital Interlocking and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) over Long Term Evolution (LTE) radio.