Gurgaon Rapid Metro to start functioning soon
Gurgaon is almost set for the Rapid Metro to start operating in the city soon. The Rapid Metro stations in the city getting ready for the first commercial train to arrive in while some of the stations are totally ready.
Under the Phase I of the Rapid Metro Gurgaon, the route between Sikanderpur and Phase 2 will be double-tracked, while the remaining stations will be served with a single-track loop. The day trial runs have been happening in full swing from the past few months.
Night trials to be started
According to the Metro officials, night trials will also be started shortly including which trials will be carried on for more than 19 hours every day on all days of the week. The first train will leave around 5 o’clock in the morning while the last will be leaving close to midnight.
Timings not to interrupt DMRC train timings
Rapid Metro train timings have been planned in a way which will not disturb the Delhi Metro timings. The first rapid metro train will reach the Sikanderpur interchange station well before the DMRC trains reach the station from Huda City Center. Similarly, the Rapid Metro train will in all likelihood leave the Sikanderpur station after midnight so that the Delhi Metro train heading from Jahangirpuri is likely to arrive at the station before the rapid metro train.
The average time required for a commuter to switch over to the network, through the 90 metre skywalk, at the Sikanderpur station, is less than five minutes. A Rapid Metro train would complete one loop, covering all six stations, in just around 13 minutes.
Most importantly, the rapid metro train fares between stations, will be equal to that of the DMRC trains.
Rapid Metro Stations
The 5.1 km long Rapid Metro Phase 1 corridor will have six stations in total. The locations of the stations are as follows-
1. Sikanderpur
An interchange station to cross over from Delhi Metro to Rapid Metro Network is being developed at Sikanderpur. The station can be entered from both sides of the road. An elevated covered walkway is built for passengers to cross from Delhi Metro platform to that of Rapid Metro.
2. Phase 2
This station is located in DLF Phase II, close to Building no. 5. Concourse level will include facilities such as ticketing and AFC gates.
3. Vodafone Belvedere Towers
This station will be helpful for those residing in Belvedere Towers and DLF Phase 2. It is very close to Building No. 10 and its residents can reach the station by walk.
4. IndusInd Bank Cyber City
This station is situated on the National Highway-8, at the entrance of Cyber City. It gives easy access to Gateway Towers, Ericsson Building and Building No. 4 and 8 on either side.
5. Micromax Moulsari Avenue
This station is located on Moulsari Avenue. It takes merely 5 min to reach the station from Ambience Mall. The station can be reached from either side of the road.
6. Phase 3
Provides access to Cyber Green, Infinity Tower, Building No. 7 and 9. It is a boon for the visitors and residents of DLF Phase 3, as they can reach the station in just a few minutes.
Facilities at stations
The Rapid Metro stations will be provided with excellent services and great facilities. There will be a Customer Care Help Desk at every station, lifts and wheelchairs for the elderly and disabled passengers, retail outlets, food kiosks, ATMs, etc. Rapid Metro is also planning to provide feeder bus service to and from the stations for last mile connectivity.
Safety and security
Several measures are being taken to ensure safety at the stations. The system will be equipped with the Automatic Train Operation (ATO), Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Supervision (ATS). CCTVs have been installed in platforms and coaches, scanning of luggage and security check at stations, ‘Press to Talk’ facility is provided in trains for passengers to talk to the driver at emergencies, emergency evacuation equipments, fire extinguishers will be installed and many other safety measures are being followed.
Rapid Metro starts operating from Nov 14
After missing several deadlines, Gurgaon’s rapid metro is ready to start rolling. Sources have revealed that the first phase of Rapid Metro has been given the approval to start its commercial operations from November 14.
All the civil and mechanical works on the entire 5.1 km stretch have been completed. All the stations are also ready except the Gateway tower situated on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway. An inspection had been carried out by a CRS team in the last month, following which a clearance certificate has been issued.
To start with, a fare of Rs 12 has been fixed to take ride in Rapid metro circle. The rapid metro will issue tickets and smart cards as well to travel in Delhi Metro circles.
The rapid metro service is mainly aimed towards providing a hassle free ride to the commuters of Cyber City. The area houses many business centers, call centers and MNCs, owing to which the number of regular commuters is also high. On an average basis, about 2.5 lakh people commute to Cyber City every day from various parts of Delhi and Gurgaon.
