In respect of Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) to connect neighbouring towns with Delhi, NCR Planning Board has commissioned study which envisages preparation of Detailed Project Report (DRP) after detailed feasibility study in respect of three corridors i.e. Delhi-Meerut, Delhi-Rewari-Alwar and Delhi-Sonepat-Panipat.  The speed of the train being studied is in the range of about 160 kmph.

As the feasibility study has not yet been completed, the implementation timeline cannot be commented upon.

The ‘Vision 2020’ envisages the implementation of one project in each of the regions of the nation and planning for at least 8 more corridors connecting commercial, tourist and pilgrimage hubs. Six High Speed Rail Corridors have already been identified for pre-feasibility studies.  These are :

                                i.            Delhi-Chandigarh-Amritsar;

                             ii.            Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad;

                           iii.            Hyderabad-Dornakal-Vijayawaa-Chennai;

                           iv.            Howrah-Haldia;

                              v.            Chennai-Bangalore-Coimbatore-Ernakulam;

                           vi.            Delhi-Agra-Lucknow-Varanasi-Patna

The Vision 2010 document envisages that these could be built as elevated corridors in keeping with the pattern of habitation and constraint of land in our country.  The Railways will use the PPP mode for investment and execution, and draw on frontier technologies incorporating the highest standards of safety and service quality.  So far pre-feasibility study of Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor has been completed.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri K. H. Muniyappa in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

HK/LK/T R