National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is developing 900 rainwater harvesting (RWH) pits along the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor in a move to ensure environmental sustainability.
Rainwater Harvesting
- Rainwater Harvesting & Conservation is the activity of direct collection of rainwater. The rainwater collected can be stored for direct use or can be recharged into the Groundwater.
There are two main techniques of rainwater harvesting
- Storage of rainwater on surface for future use.
- Recharge to groundwater.
RRTS Pits Capture and Store Rainwater
- The pits are strategically placed for maximum water collection and over 75% of these systems are already operational.
- The pits are expected to recharge millions of cubic meters of groundwater, contributing significantly to water table levels.
- The design consists of two small water chambers constructed face-to-face underground, connected by a central rainwater harvesting pit.
- During rainfall, water flows from the viaduct (bridge-like structure) into these chambers The collected water is filtered through three layers of gravel and sand before being absorbed into the ground through the central pit.
- The depth of the pits varies between 16 and 22 meters, depending on the local groundwater level.
- Rainwater harvesting is also being incorporated at each RRTS station, with two pits being built near every entry and exit gate.
Key Facts Regarding the RRTS
- In 2005, a government task force was formed to create a comprehensive transportation plan for the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR).
- This plan called the Integrated Transport Plan for NCR 2032, identified a need for a special rapid transit system to connect major cities within the region.
- The task force identified 8 corridors and prioritized three corridors for this “Regional Rapid Transit System” (RRTS): Delhi-Meerut, Delhi-Panipat, and Delhi-Alwar.
RRTS
- RRTS is a brand-new mode of public transportation designed specifically for the NCR.
- Delhi-Meerut corridor RRTS is a rail-based,semi-high-speed, high-frequency commuter transit system.
- The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor has a total length of 82-km long, with 22 stations.
Advantages of RRTS
- High Speed & Capacity: Unlike traditional railways or metros, RRTS trains will travel at much faster speeds (over 160 km/h) and carry a large number of passengers, reducing congestion, high-frequency operations with trains every 15 minutes.
- Dedicated Corridor: RRTS trains operate on a separate, elevated track, free from traffic congestion on roads, ensuring reliable travel times.
- Environmental Impact: RRTS is estimated to significantly reduce air pollution in the region, by encouraging more people to use public transportation
- Economic Growth: Improved connectivity will lead to more balanced economic development across the NCR, creating opportunities in various cities and reducing reliance on a single central hub.
- Sustainable Future: RRTS serves as a model for developing efficient public transport systems in other Indian cities. It will also help reduce overall traffic congestion and emissions within the NCR.