Women are poised to take on pivotal roles in the operations of RapidX, the modern high-speed train service under the Rapid Rail Transit System. What makes this initiative even more remarkable is that the number of women employees participating in the 17-kilometre priority section within the city is set to exceed that of their male counterparts.
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), responsible for executing the regional train network project, announced that the priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor will soon be open to the public. This represents a significant stride towards challenging entrenched gender norms within the transport sector, traditionally perceived as male-dominated.
"India's first regional rail is not only making strides in the field of technology but is also creating a new picture of modern India through the efforts of women empowerment," emphasized an NCRTC official. Among the train operators assigned to run RapidX trains in the priority section, women operators outnumber men. Furthermore, women are taking on key roles in station control, station management, operation and maintenance, operation control centres, train attendants, customer care, and more.
To ensure that these operators are well-versed in this modern urban transport system, they underwent extensive training. This training encompassed classroom sessions and practical exercises, including driving the trains and controlling their speed using simulators, all of which spanned three months. It's a thrilling prospect for these women train operators to drive the trains at a remarkable speed of 160 kilometres per hour.
These women employees have demonstrated exceptional competence throughout the process. Not only are they content to be part of this pioneering project, but their families also take pride in their achievements. The families of these women operators share the feeling that they bear significant responsibility for the safe and successful journeys of passengers.
The imminent launch of operations in the priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor represents a significant milestone. This section includes five stations: Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai, and Duhai Depot. The entire 82-kilometer Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is expected to be operational by 2025, with a 14-kilometer stretch within the city.
The Delhi section of the corridor, featuring four stations Sarai Kale Khan, Jangpura, Anand Vihar, and New Ashok Nagar, is anticipated to be completed in early 2025. This extensive project, which provides employment, business opportunities, and access to education, is set to foster multi-centric and balanced development in the National Capital Region. As a sustainable form of public transport, it is expected to alleviate congestion and reduce air pollution significantly, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
With women at the forefront of the RapidX high-speed train operations, this endeavour marks a profound step towards gender equality and opportunities for women in India's transportation sector.
