High-speed trains – a green building block in the expansion of Indian infrastructure
Smog, especially in the winter months, is a huge problem for India's major cities, and the rapid increase in motorization and population growth are a major challenge. Once you have seen the haze that New Delhi is under in November from your hotel room, once you have experienced the crowds of people and the immense number of cars, tuk-tuks and motorbikes in traffic, even as a European you will realize that something urgently needs to change in India. The Indian government is therefore working on ambitious projects to rapidly expand the country's infrastructure with the help of environmentally friendly technology. One building block in this process is modern high-speed trains.
The Deutsche Bahn International Operations GmbH (DB IO) shows how German expertise meets Indian dynamism and creates pioneering solutions for green urban mobility. By winning the million-euro contract for the India's first high-capacity transport project, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), DB has set a significant milestone for the infrastructure development of India.
The project: RAPIDX – Faster, greener, better
The Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is the first rapid transit network in India and is expected to connect the cities Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut on a stretch of 82 kilometers with a total of 25 train stations and 40 ultra-modern trains Connecting piece by piece. Under the name RAPIDX should be up to 800.000 passengers The first section between Delhi/Sahibabad and Duhai was officially opened on October 5, 2023. There are currently 8 trains per day running there, with the network designed for a higher frequency, which will be increased accordingly with the completion of further sections.
A highlight: The travel time between Delhi and Meerut will be reduced by around 70% off, which significantly improves the quality of life of commuters. In addition, DB, together with its partners, offers innovative solutions for green urban mobility – a crucial factor in combating extreme air pollution in the region.
Why India as an investment destination for infrastructure projects?
India is not only the largest democracy in the world, but also one of the most dynamic economic nations. With a population of around 1,4 billion people, a rapidly increasing motorization rate and a growing need for Infrastructure India is a market with enormous potential, also for the logistics industry.
- New Delhi is expected to be the most populous metropolitan area in the world .
- The motorization rate In India, more than five times as fast as the population, which increases the need for environmentally friendly transport solutions.
Deutsche Bahn's investment in the RRTS project shows how German companies can not only benefit economically, but also actively contribute to solving global challenges.
We have been supporting Deutsche Bahn and various of its subsidiaries in the implementation of projects in India since 2012, as India offers numerous advantages over other investment destinations:
Advantages for German companies when expanding to India
- Market potential: The Indian market offers a growing demand for technologies and services, especially in the areas of infrastructure, mobility and sustainability.
- innovation platform: Projects such as the RRTS make it possible to test and adapt innovative solutions in a dynamic environment.
- Global Relevance: Your commitment in India increases international visibility and strengthens, for example, your position as a global market leader.
- promote sustainability: With projects like RAPIDX, companies are setting an example for sustainable development and urban transformation.
Conclusion: Success through partnerships and visions
Deutsche Bahn's partnership with India is just one example of how international cooperation can promote growth and sustainability. At WB, we accompany Deutsche Bahn and numerous different customers on their journey to or in India and find time and again that with sound strategic planning and our own experience of India, this country can be an excellent model for success for medium-sized companies, despite all the adversities.
Your individual route to business success – flexible, pragmatic and forward-looking. We navigate you.
