Infrastructure
The Namo Bharat RRTS service. (Representative Image)
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the NCRTC has introduced a "single-tap ticketing" feature for commuting on Namo Bharat trains through the 'RRTS Connect' Mobile App.
This feature enables commuters to swiftly generate a QR code on their RRTS Connect app from anywhere within 300 meters of the RRTS station premises with just one tap.
This eliminates the need to bother about the destination, saving people time and effort in booking tickets in advance. Notably, this marks the first instance globally where such a ticketing feature is being offered in any public transport system.
Typically, other apps of this nature require the selection of origin and destination at the journey's start, limiting the flexibility of changing the destination during travel.
This one-tap booking feature streamlines the ticketing process, making it fast and convenient for commuters. It removes the hassle of purchasing tickets or going through the entire process of generating a digital QR code by selecting the origin and destination.
To utilize this new-age feature, commuters need to:
-download the 'RRTS Connect' mobile application and fulfill a few simple prerequisites.
-Additionally, commuters need to enable the Location Services of their mobile phones while using this app.
This setup is a one-time process enabling single-tap ticket booking for all future Namo Bharat journeys.
Following this process, with a single tap on the RRTS Connect mobile application, a QR code is generated, allowing the commuter to board the train from their origin station. Upon reaching the destination station, the commuter can exit by scanning the QR code on the AFC gate, and the fare is deducted accordingly.
For commuter convenience, NCRTC provides various ticketing options, including Digital QR code-based Tickets through the NCRTC Mobile Application, 'RRTS Connect,' via 'one-tap' or origin-destination selection, Paper QR code-based tickets generatable through Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) or purchasable from UPI-enabled ticket vending machines.
These TVMs also recharge the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). Additionally, commuters can purchase the RRTS commuter card, which aligns with the Government of India's "One Nation, One Card" vision. The commuter card, a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), allows card usage across all transit systems and anywhere card payments are feasible. Commuters can use any NCMC card from the first day of RRTS operations for traveling.
The 17-km long Priority Section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor, between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot, is now operational, featuring five stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and Duhai Depot.
Prime Minister Modi flagged off India's first Namo Bharat Trains and inaugurated India's first RRTS corridor last month on 20 October. The entire corridor is targeted to be operational by June 2025.