ASSAM (Metro Rail News): Assam is exploring the possibility of developing a Delhi-Meerut-style Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the state has started preliminary discussions with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The proposed RRTS could improve regional connectivity between key growth areas. However, the project is still at an early discussion stage, and no final plan has been announced yet.
Sarma said on September 18 that the state and ADB are discussing a possible blueprint for a high-speed regional rail network focused on sustainable transport. No routes, stations, project cost or implementation timeline have been finalised yet.
Assam RRTS proposal still at discussion stage
Sarma shared the update in a post on X, saying that Assam has started preliminary talks with ADB to explore an RRTS network similar to the Delhi-Meerut corridor. The proposal aims to connect important growth centres through a faster regional rail system. However, the state has not yet identified the cities or routes that could form the network. At this stage, several key details are still under discussion:
- Proposed routes and cities
- Number and location of stations
- Project cost
- Funding structure
- Construction timeline
- Target date for operations
This means the Assam RRTS is currently an idea being studied rather than an approved rail project.
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What Assam could take from Delhi-Meerut RRTS
The Delhi-Meerut RRTS offers a model for connecting major urban centres beyond conventional city-based Metro systems. The 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is being implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) under the Namo Bharat system. It connects Delhi with Ghaziabad and Meerut through a dedicated regional rail corridor.
The system is designed for operational speeds of up to 160 kmph and focuses on faster travel between major regional centres. Unlike a conventional Metro, which mainly serves trips within a city, an RRTS is designed for longer regional journeys. It can connect urban centres and surrounding growth areas while providing a faster alternative to road travel.
Why Assam is looking at RRTS
For Assam, an RRTS could potentially create faster links between major urban and economic centres. A well-planned regional network could also support development beyond individual cities by improving access to jobs, education and business centres.
However, the state’s geography, settlement pattern and travel demand would need to be assessed before deciding whether an RRTS model is suitable and where such corridors should run. The ADB discussions could help Assam examine these issues and prepare a broader transport plan before any specific corridor is taken forward.
The immediate step is to develop a blueprint for the proposed network. That would need to identify potential corridors, estimate demand, assess costs and examine the most suitable technology and funding model. Only after these studies would the state be in a position to decide whether to move ahead with specific RRTS corridors. For now, Sarma has said more details will be shared as discussions with ADB progress.
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