The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is revamping the fare structure of the Delhi-Meerut Rapid train to offer competitive prices for passengers. This initiative comes in response to the recently-launched New Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat Express, as well as other transportation options available on the route.
Sources reveal that the fare for traveling from Anand Vihar to Meerut Central on the Rapid train is expected to be approximately Rs 170-200, compared to the chair car fare of Rs 485 on the Vande Bharat Express for the New Delhi to Meerut route.
The RAPIDX train is scheduled to commence operations in the third week of June, prompting the finalization of the fare chart for the Rapid Rail Transport System (RRTS).
Commuters currently have several options for traveling to Meerut, including expressways, AC bus services, and the Shatabdi Express. NCRTC aims to ensure that the RAPIDX train fare remains competitive when considering other modes of transportation.
To attract commuters, the RRTS service is expected to offer fares in the range of Rs 3 to 4 per kilometer, providing an attractive alternative to other transport options.
NCRTC has proposed the fare structure of India’s first regional train service to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Extensive research, incorporating international standards, existing public transport fares, and the unique regional rail experience, has been conducted to determine the fares.
The RAPIDX service distinguishes itself from existing trains and metro systems by offering higher speed, increased frequency, reliability, safety, and comfort during commutes.
Passengers can expect a rapid journey on the RAPIDX trains, with the entire Delhi-Meerut trip taking just 43 minutes. Trains will operate at a frequency of 5-10 minutes once the entire corridor is operational.
According to the project report, the initial proposed fare for the RRTS in 2009 was Rs 2 per kilometer, totaling around Rs 165 for the complete trip and Rs 35 for the priority section. However, due to factors such as rising input costs, inflation, and others, the fares have been adjusted over time.
