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Mint
5 days ago
- Business
- Mint
House panel recommends expansion of rapid rail networks in regions beyond NCR
New Delhi: The standing committee on housing and urban affairs has said the government should introduce rapid rail transport systems (RRTS) around major cities to decongest them and curb rising pollution levels. Currently, the country's only RRTS project is underway in the National Capital Region, with plans to connect Delhi with Meerut, Alwar and Panipat through three different corridors. The panel noted that a big rise in population in Delhi and its adjoining areas resulted in problems of housing, transportation, pollution and necessitated planning of Delhi and the surrounding region leading to the development of RRTS network. The panel said that there is a need to develop similar systems for cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru to solve the problems of insufficient infrastructure and congestion. "Thus, modern transportation solution like the RRTS is the need of the hour so as to enable people to live in sub-urban areas adjoining these big cities while remaining connected to modern healthcare, educational, research, entertainment facilities and opportunities of trade and employment thus increasing their productivity and ensure their social and mental well being," said the panel led by Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, Lok Sabha member from Ongole in Andhra Pradesh. The committee suggested the ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA) persuade the respective state governments to prepare detailed regional and functional plans to meet the transportation needs of these cities. "Subject to preparation of such detailed transport plan by the concerned State Government, MoHUA may consider RRTS projects based on the proposal received from the State Government, financial commitment, feasibility study and other relevant facts. A proper roadmap is required to be prepared in this direction," he said. The projected cost of the Delhi-Meerut corridor of RRTS is ₹ 30,274 crore. RRTS services commenced in 2023 when a 17-km stretch was inaugurated. Another 17-km stretch from Duhai to Modinagar North in Uttar Pradesh was inaugurated in 2024. Regarding the progress of the Delhi-Meerut Corridor, the ministry informed the panel in November 2024 that the physical and financial progress is around 80% and 75% respectively. NCRTC informed that the Delhi-Gurugram-SNB corridor has not been sanctioned and some fine tuning of the DPR is being done. Further, the approval on the DPR and financial commitment towards the Delhi-Panipat RRTS corridor is pending from Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). Observing that the DPR of all the three corridors were finalized, the project has taken off only in respect of Delhi-Meerut corridor, the panel said that on the remaining two priority corridors, very little progress could be made. The committee noted that although urban planning is a state subject, the role of central government cannot be confined only to providing financial assistance to state governments. "Policy decision on regional planning ought to be taken at the Centre level who have an important mandate of urban transport planning and therefore impetus from the ministry for such initiative is needed. With regard to expansion of RRTS network in various cities, the Committee were informed that interventions like RRTS are suitable in cities having strong metro network providing connectivity to various places in the heart of the city," said the report. Noting that the mandate of National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is to undertake overall development of commuter rail, related roads, bus services to improve connectivity in NCR region only, the committee said that there is a need to leverage the capacity and expertise of NRCTC in other parts of the country for catering to the regional transportation requirement in particular and other appropriate transport solution in general. "The committee, therefore recommend that through appropriate legislative instrument, the mandate of NCRTC be extended in regions other than NCR for creation of comprehensive integrated multi-modal suburban commuter transportation system," it said.
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Business Standard
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Parliamentary panel recommends RRTS link between IGI and Jewar Airports
A parliamentary panel has recommended that the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry connect the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the under-construction Jewar airport through the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors. The Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs, chaired by Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, appreciated the efforts of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) for ensuring multimodal integration of RRTS with other transport modes such as metro rail, railways, inter-state bus terminals (ISBTs), bus depots and expressways. In its report, the committee emphasised that Jewar Airport is expected to become a key transport hub for residents of Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and nearby areas in the future. The growth of dense residential areas, employment opportunities, entertainment zones, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities along the Ghaziabad-Noida-Greater Noida corridor makes it even more crucial to connect these areas through a fast, safe, reliable, and efficient transport system like RRTS. "The integration of RRTS will not only improve connectivity but will also enhance the ridership and financial viability of the Delhi-Meerut Corridor. It will provide much-needed connectivity to Jewar Airport, a vital node in the region's transportation network," the committee said. The panel also noted that two major transport nodes in Delhi-NCR Indira Gandhi International Airport and Jewar Airport are yet to be integrated with the RRTS network. Regarding the IGIA-RRTS integration, the committee acknowledged that earlier it had been informed the linkage would be implemented via the Delhi-SNB corridor. "However, the DPR (Detailed Project Report) for this corridor is currently being revisited by NCRTC," it said. The committee, therefore, recommended that both airports be connected to the RRTS network to boost regional connectivity and streamline passenger movement. On the matter of public safety and comfort, the panel recommended conducting a study on the impact of vibrations from the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor on nearby structures, including residential buildings, offices, hospitals, and educational institutions. It also suggested the installation of sound barriers to minimize disturbance to residents and users of these facilities. "The installation of sound barriers is important to prevent inconvenience to the public due to the operation of Namo Bharat trains," the committee added. Regarding medical provisions, the committee noted that first-aid services have been established, and NCRTC has partnered with hospitals within a 10-kilometre radius of the Delhi-Meerut corridor for emergency medical support. RRTS personnel have also received training in administering CPR to address health emergencies such as strokes or cardiac arrests, the report said.
News18
22-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Parliamentary panel recommends RRTS link between IGI and Jewar Airports
Last Updated: New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) A parliamentary panel has recommended that the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry connect the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the under-construction Jewar airport through the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors. The Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs, chaired by Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, appreciated the efforts of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) for ensuring multimodal integration of RRTS with other transport modes such as metro rail, railways, inter-state bus terminals (ISBTs), bus depots and expressways. In its report, the committee emphasised that Jewar Airport is expected to become a key transport hub for residents of Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and nearby areas in the future. The growth of dense residential areas, employment opportunities, entertainment zones, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities along the Ghaziabad-Noida-Greater Noida corridor makes it even more crucial to connect these areas through a fast, safe, reliable, and efficient transport system like RRTS. 'The integration of RRTS will not only improve connectivity but will also enhance the ridership and financial viability of the Delhi-Meerut Corridor. It will provide much-needed connectivity to Jewar Airport, a vital node in the region's transportation network," the committee said. The panel also noted that two major transport nodes in Delhi-NCR — Indira Gandhi International Airport and Jewar Airport — are yet to be integrated with the RRTS network. Regarding the IGIA-RRTS integration, the committee acknowledged that earlier it had been informed the linkage would be implemented via the Delhi-SNB corridor. 'However, the DPR (Detailed Project Report) for this corridor is currently being revisited by NCRTC," it said. The committee, therefore, recommended that both airports be connected to the RRTS network to boost regional connectivity and streamline passenger movement. On the matter of public safety and comfort, the panel recommended conducting a study on the impact of vibrations from the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor on nearby structures, including residential buildings, offices, hospitals, and educational institutions. It also suggested the installation of sound barriers to minimize disturbance to residents and users of these facilities. 'The installation of sound barriers is important to prevent inconvenience to the public due to the operation of Namo Bharat trains," the committee added. Regarding medical provisions, the committee noted that first-aid services have been established, and NCRTC has partnered with hospitals within a 10-kilometre radius of the Delhi-Meerut corridor for emergency medical support. RRTS personnel have also received training in administering CPR to address health emergencies such as strokes or cardiac arrests, the report said. PTI BUN HIG HIG view comments First Published: July 22, 2025, 20:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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Business Standard
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
RRTS needed in more cities for mobility, quality of life: Parl committee
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs released a report on Tuesday recommending the expansion of modern transport systems such as the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) to more metro cities to ease congestion and promote sustainable development. Noting the growing population pressures on cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, the report cited 'insufficient infrastructure, congestion and pollution' as major challenges. It stated: 'There is a need to plan these cities in the regional context to promote balanced and harmonised development and make them sustainable.' The committee, chaired by Lok Sabha member Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, made the observation in its Fifth Report (2024–25), presented during the 18th Lok Sabha. It examined the role of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) and the relevance of the RRTS in the context of urban growth and regional connectivity. The committee recommended extending similar models to other metropolitan areas beyond the NCR. The report said that the goal of building a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 is closely tied to how efficiently people and goods can move across urban and regional spaces. In this context, it endorsed the RRTS as a 'modern transportation solution' that can connect suburban areas with major urban centres. Such connectivity, the committee stated, would allow people to reside in more affordable and less congested zones while still being able to access quality education, healthcare, employment and other facilities. 'Modern transportation solution like the RRTS is the need of the hour so as to enable people to live in sub-urban areas adjoining these big cities... thus increasing their productivity and ensure their social and mental well-being,' the report stated. Slow-moving cities The report comes at a time when multiple Indian cities are facing rising strain on public infrastructure, with urban mobility emerging as a key factor in sustainable city planning. According to the TomTom traffic index released earlier this year, Kolkata emerged as India's most congested city in 2024. Drivers there spent an average of 34 minutes 33 seconds covering 10 km — 10 seconds slower than the previous year — with an average speed of just 17.4 km/h. Bengaluru was a close second, taking 34 minutes 10 seconds for the same distance, with a marginally higher speed of 17.6 km/h. The two cities were followed by Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai as the most congested. Kolkata was also second globally in congestion, only behind Barranquilla in Colombia. The report highlighted worsening urban traffic in India, with 76 per cent of the 500 surveyed cities experiencing slower travel times in 2024 compared to 2023.
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Parliamentary panel flags delay in nod for Regional Plan 2041 for NCR
A parliamentary committee has raised concern over the inordinate delay—now stretching to four years—in the approval of the Regional Plan 2041 for the National Capital Region (NCR) by the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA), warning that the hold-up is stalling key transport and infrastructure planning vital to economic growth. The report, titled 'Regional Rapid Transit System and Role of NCRTC', was tabled in the Rajya Sabha on April 4 but made public earlier this week. (AP) The reminder came in the latest report of the department-related standing committee on transport, tourism and culture, submitted to the Lok Sabha speaker on May 29. The report, titled 'Regional Rapid Transit System and Role of NCRTC', was tabled in the Rajya Sabha on April 4 but made public earlier this week. The long-pending plan's approval is seen as critical to enabling other functional blueprints—including transport, which has significant multiplier effects on economic activity across NCR. 'Due to the delay, various functional plans are stuck in limbo,' said the panel, chaired by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy. Notably, the Master Plan for Delhi 2041—though not mentioned in the report—is also awaiting approval from MoHUA. The committee urged the Centre to play a more proactive role in regional planning rather than limit its involvement to financial assistance. It recommended expanding the mandate of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) beyond NCR to develop similar integrated, multi-modal suburban transport systems in other urban regions. This, it suggested, would require an appropriate legislative framework. The panel also recommended multimodal integration of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) with both Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Jewar Airport in Noida. It said MoHUA should coordinate with the ministries of civil aviation, railways and state governments to facilitate seamless interchange points with luggage check-in, linking railways, airports and interstate bus terminals. Citing 'very little progress' on the Delhi-Gurugram-SNB and Delhi-Panipat corridors of RRTS, the committee called for urgent intervention to push these projects forward. It also flagged the need for sound barriers along the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor, which passes through dense residential and institutional areas. To strengthen last-mile connectivity, the panel recommended feeder and shuttle bus services, e-rickshaws, taxis and bike taxis to RRTS stations, which it noted had been designed with adequate parking and drop-off infrastructure. Calling transport infrastructure the backbone of Viksit Bharat 2047, the report argued that efficient systems to move people and goods would be fundamental to achieving India's development goals. The committee also urged state governments to establish Unified Metropolitan Transport Authorities (UMTAs) for integrated planning and management of urban mobility and advocated faster rollout of transit-oriented development along RRTS corridors. Looking beyond NCR, the panel recommended initiating similar regional-level planning for other high-density metro cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. 'With projected population increases, infrastructure strain, congestion and pollution, these cities must be planned in a regional context to promote sustainable, balanced development,' the report concluded.
