Ahead of launch, 'Vande Metro' renamed 'Namo Bharat Rapid Rail'
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday is all set to launch India's first "Vande Metro" services between Bhuj and Ahmedabad.
Ahead of the launch, the Railways Ministry has decided to rename the service to "Namo Bharat Rapid Rail."
The train will cover a distance of 359km from Bhuj to Ahmedabad in just five hours and 45 minutes.
Affordable journey
Cost-effective travel
The regular service for passengers is set to begin on Tuesday, with a ticket price of ₹455 for the entire journey. This makes the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail a cost-effective option for commuters traveling between Bhuj and Ahmedabad.
The train will operate at a maximum speed of 110km/h and will stop at several stations including Anjar, Gandhidham, Bhachau, Samakhiali, Halvad, Dhrangadhra, Viramgam, Chandlodiya, Sabarmati and Kalupur (Ahmedabad station).
Innovative design
Redefining metro travel with inter-city connectivity
The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is set to redefine the concept of metro travel in India.
Unlike traditional metros that operate between urban stations, this new rail service will cover inter-city destinations, bridging urban centers with surrounding areas.
It caters to a broader travel range unlike urban metro services.
The train can accommodate up to 2,058 standing passengers and has seating arrangements for 1,150 passengers.
Passenger amenities
12 coaches in Rapid Rail
The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is equipped with 12 coaches and offers a host of innovative features. These include ergonomically designed seats, fully air-conditioned cabins, and modular interiors.
A significant upgrade from traditional suburban trains and metro coaches is its modular design that includes ejector-based vacuum evacuation toilets.
The train also features automatic sliding doors and engines at both ends, allowing for rapid acceleration and deceleration contributing to efficient travel while eliminating turnaround time.