The LG's green signal to the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) earlier this week is the first step towards making the concept of NCR a reality. Detailed project reports of the three alignments — Delhi to Panipat, Alwar and Meerut — show that highspeed connectivity will enable an integrated multi-modal transportation system and be hugely beneficial to the capital.

The project's benefits are wide-ranging-from less stress on the city's infrastructure to reduction in pollution as well as savings in terms of fuel and time costs. A functional plan envisaged by the NCR Planning Board spells out that a good transport plan will provide efficient and economical rail and road-based transportation systems (including mass transport systems) that are well integrated with the land use patterns to support balanced regional development. It will also provide accessibility to all parts of the region and discourage transit of passengers and goods through the core area of NCT-Delhi by constructing peripheral expressways and bypasses, thereby opening new areas for economic development.

An integrated transportation system will also shift people from private transport to public transport and reduce vehicular air pollution.

The RRTS has the capacity to do just that. The project, which is expected to be implemented in phases, will provide fast and smooth connectivity between Delhi and its satellite towns, cutting down on travel time, costs and pollution.

The project will be implemented by a special purpose vehicle (SPV), called NCRTC. Like the Delhi Metro, it will be in charge of construction and maintenance, and will be set up with a corpus fund of Rs 100 crore.

The project will cost approximately Rs 72,170 crore and the three corridors will be built in six years after contracts are awarded.

Officials in the state transport department say the emphasis so far has been on augmentation of the transport structure within the city. However, last-mile connectivity remains a hurdle despite spending crores on the Metro network as well as on improving the surface transport system, which includes buses. Experts, however, say lack of first and last-mile connectivity is not the only hurdle for a robust public transport in Delhi. The concept of seamless NCR travel remains unrealized, said an NCRPB member. "Although NCR permits were set up for easy commuting between the NCR, few bus owners have come forward to avail of the permits. The number of taxi owners opting for NCR permits is much more," added the official.

The rapid increase in Delhi's vehicular population underscores the need for a better transportation system. Between 1999 and 2009, the number of vehicles increased annually at a rate of 7.52% while in Mumbai and Kolkata the rates were 6.6% and 4.5% respectively. Although road length increased 1.1 times (2000-07), vehicles increased 1.9 times, leading to congestion.

With the RRTS, this is set to change. A transport department official said, "A suburban railway works best with a robust urban metro system. It needs to operate right into the heart of the city".

With its nine stations in Delhi located centrally, the RRTS will have a strong reach, say officials. "With the high-speed corridors in place, the benefits will be huge in terms of fuel, highway, pollution, capital and time saved," said the official. These links are also expected to provide fast and reliable connectivity to those districts of UP, Haryana and Rajasthan that have been identified as the major contributors to Delhi's increasing migrant population.