Exploring opportunities to integrate AI for efficiency, sustainability, security: NCRTC MD

NCRTC is exploring opportunities to integrate AI into its systems to enhance efficiency, sustainability and security, Managing Director Shalabh Goel has said. Goel said in a written interview that digitalisation and technological vancements were key focus areas for National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), enhancing both project execution and passenger facilitation.

urban transporter has implemented European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 over LTE backbone for first time in world, which includes automatic train protection and automatic train supervision sub-systems. Platform screen doors are also integrated with ETCS signalling system for enhanced passenger safety, he said.

"Since inception, NCRTC leveraged technology to deliver a truly commuter-centric project. We are actively exploring opportunities to integrate AI into our systems to enhance efficiency, sustainability and security," Goel told PTI.

"Our goal is to utilise AI to improve asset management, streamline scheduling, reduce operational costs, and strengn safety protocols, ultimately driving long-term value and performance across our operations," he furr said.

According to Goel, 42-kilometre stretch from Sahibab to Meerut South of Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), covering nine stations, is alrey open for public use. Construction of remaining portion of corridor is on track to meet 2025 deline for full operation.

Civil construction for key stations in Delhi section such as Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar is nearing completion. Viuct construction in Uttar Presh section is nearing completion. Tunnel construction at all three underground stations in Meerut is complete, with final finishing work underway, he said.

Goel furr said operational section from Sahibab to Meerut South h seen a stey increase in daily commuters.

Currently, trends indicate a mix of officegoers, students, women, senior citizens, and those travelling for business and leisure activities, he said.

"To furr boost footfall, NCRTC is focusing on raising awareness about this new-age comfortable, efficient and reliable transit service and enhancing last-mile connectivity. Over 30 lakh passengers have travelled on Namo Bharat trains since start of operations and number is set to grow furr as we operationalise more sections in a phased manner with full commissioning by 2025," Goel said.

To ensure long-term financial sustainability of this capital-intensive project, NCRTC has been exploring avenues for increasing non-fare box revenue, both from conventional and innovative methods, by benchmarking domestic and international best practices, managing director said.

"se initiatives include implementation of transit oriented development, land value capture, and value capture financing. We have also me significant progress in bringing toger all stakeholders and aligning m with this larger objective," he said.

Recently, NCRTC began trial runs of Namo Bharat train on Sahibab to New Ashok Nagar section. In this section, re will be integration of RRTS with Delhi Metro, railway station, and ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal). Once Delhi section -- Sarai Kale Khan, New Ashok Nagar and Anand Vihar stations -- opens, passenger numbers are expected to surge.

This section will significantly enhance connectivity, offering commuters a seamless journey across Delhi, Ghaziab, Modinagar and Meerut, contributing to a stey rise in daily ridership, Goel said.

When asked how metro lines would help Namo Bharat get more commuters, Goel said that in comparison to existing metro, bus, and rail services such as Vande Bharat, RRTS was positioned differently. It is designed as a high-speed, high-frequency and high-throughput rail-based system, specifically for regional or inter-city commutes with longer travel lengths, typically 50 or 100 kilometres.

" distance between RRTS stations are around five to seven kilometres, which is significantly longer compared to metro systems, where distance is around 1-1.5 kilometres. This makes RRTS a distinct product that caters to specific requirements of regional commutes. It's important to note that existing urban transit systems such as metro and bus systems will complement Namo Bharat services, and vice versa," he said.

integration of Delhi Metro with RRTS will significantly boost commuter numbers by providing seamless connectivity across NCR. Key interchange stations such as Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar and New Ashok Nagar will facilitate smooth transfers between Delhi Metro and RRTS, providing seamless connectivity, he said.

For instance, Sarai Kale Khan RRTS station will serve as a major hub, connecting Delhi Metro, Indian Railways, and ISBT, allowing commuters to switch modes of transport effortlessly. This efficient multi-modal integration is crucial for reducing travel time and improving accessibility, making public transport a more attractive option for daily commuters, top official ded.