Regional Rapid Transit System and Role of NCRTC

• The Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs (Chair: Mr Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy) presented its report on ‘Regional Rapid Transit System and Role of NCRTC’ on July 22, 2025.   The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is a high-speed rail-based commuter network operating in urban and peri-urban areas.  Under this system, trains are available every five to 10 minutes, and are operated at speeds up to 180 km/h.  RRTS was introduced by the Ministry to provide regional connectivity in the National Capital Region.  As of April 2025, out of eight proposed RRTS, one has been sanctioned by the central government.

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) was established as a joint venture between the central and four state governments for implementation of the RRTS network.  This includes the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi.  Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

• Need for regional planning in metro cities:  The Committee observed that rapid urbanisation and population growth in urban areas has led to issues related to land, housing, transportation, and pollution.  Peripheral areas around main cities are also growing rapidly.  The Committee recommended that state governments prepare detailed regional and functional plans for development of big metro cities including a transport plan.  It also observed that RRTS projects can supplement metro networks.  The Committee noted that the role of the central government should be expanded beyond offering financial assistance to states.  It recommended that the central government should be involved in policymaking for regional and urban transport planning.

• Preparation of Regional and Functional Plan:  The National Capital Region Planning Board had prepared a Regional Plan valid until 2021.  However, as of April 2025, the new Regional Plan with perspective year 2041 has not been approved.  The Committee noted that other functional plans will only be finalised after approval of the Regional Plan 2041.  It recommended that the Ministry finalise and notify the Regional Plan 2041 for Delhi-NCR at the earliest.

• Last mile and multi-modal connectivity:  The Committee recommended that NCRTC provide shuttle buses to develop last-mile connectivity.  The Committee also recommended integrating RRTS with other modes of transport.  This would allow commuters to board RRTS services from railway stations, airports, and inter-state bus terminals.  The Committee recommended connecting the Indira Gandhi International Airport and Jewar Airport with the existing RRTS.

• Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority:  The Metro Rail Policy, 2017 provides for the formation of a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority.  This Authority is responsible for coordinated planning, implementation, and management of the urban transport system.  All states with a metro rail project implemented with central assistance are required to set up this authority.  The Committee observed that state governments of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have not set up this authority.  It recommended operationalisation of this authority in these states. 

• Expanding the mandate of NCRTC:  Currently, NCRTC undertakes overall transport development in the National Capital region including development of commuter rail, roads, and bus services.  The Committee recommended expanding the mandate of NCRTC to other regions.  This will allow the corporation to utilise its expertise to develop multi-modal suburban transport systems in these regions.

• PPP model for RRTS projects:  The Committee observed that RRTS projects are highly capital intensive and have long gestation periods.  Private players are currently mostly involved in operation and maintenance of RRTS sub-systems.  The Committee recommended that NCRTC explore possible opportunities for private sector participation and funding in RRTS projects.