Puri says imperative to plan efficient public transport for metropolitan cities
Alstom, a leading multinational sustainable mobility provider, has delivered India’s first semi high-speed regional train for National Capital Region Transport Corporation’s (NCRTC) 82.5-km long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Phase I from its manufacturing facility at Savli in Gujarat.
“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,” Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri said at the trainset rollout ceremony.
“Designed in India, Made in India, Made for India – it is the perfect demonstration of the Make in India initiative,” he said on 7 May 2022. “It is a proud moment for all of us to witness the rollout of the RRTS trainset.”
Alstom India Managing Director Alain Spohr elaborated, “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.
“We are proud to attain another key milestone in making India’s first semi high-speed regional commuter service a reality.
“Our trains and ETCS Signalling systems will ensure safer and seamless intercity commute, 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 revolutionize 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,” Spohr underlined.
Manoj Joshi, Chairman – NCRTC, Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, added, “With its extensive experience in delivering world-class sustainable mobility solutions globally, Alstom has contributed significantly to make this project a reality.
“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.”
Designed at Alstom’s Hyderabad engineering centre and manufactured at Savli, these trains are 100% indigenous, in line with the government’s Make-in-India. The propulsion systems and electricals are manufactured at the company’s factory in Maneja (Gujarat).
The Savli facility produces bogies, car bodies and undertakes train testing. Alstom’s unit has also successfully delivered trains for Delhi Metro, Queensland Rail and is currently producing metro trains for Kanpur and Agra cities.
In 2020, the company was awarded Eur436 million contract to:
Design, build and deliver 210 regional commuter and transit train cars along with comprehensive maintenance services for 15 years;
Design, supply, install, test and commission Signalling and Train Control, Supervision, Platform Screen Doors and Telecommunication Systems.
Some of the safety and passenger comfort features on these fully air conditioned trains include ergonomically-built 2×2 transverse seating, wide gangway for comfortable standing space, overhead luggage racks, CCTV cameras, fire and smoke detector, intercom, fire extinguisher, exterior camera, door status indicators, grab handles, Wi-Fi, laptop, mobile and USB charging stations, dynamic route display maps, auto controlled ambient lighting system, large windows for panoramic view and ergonomically designed areas to support the specially abled and medical emergencies.
The first look of the train inspired by Delhi’s iconic monument, the Lotus Temple, was unveiled in September 2020. With the manufacturing process beginning in July 2021, the first train has been delivered within a year.
The RRTS line is the first in India to adopt 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 marks the world premiere for the combination of the latest ETCS standard supported by the latest digital Interlocking and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) over Long Term Evolution (LTE) radio.
Leading societies to a low carbon future, Alstom develops and markets mobility solutions that provide the sustainable foundations for the future of transportation. Alstom’s products portfolio ranges from high-speed trains, metros, monorail and trams to integrated systems, customised services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility solutions.
Alstom has 150,000 vehicles in commercial service worldwide. With Bombardier Transportation joining Alstom on 29 January 2021, the enlarged Group’s combined proforma revenue amounts to Eur14 billion for the 12-month period ended 31 March 2021. Headquartered in France, Alstom is now present in 70 countries and employs more than 70,000 people. fiinews.com
