New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched India’s first ‘Vande Metro’ service, renamed ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail,’ in Gujarat. It aims to revolutionise medium-distance travel in the country with its advanced features and efficiency. The maiden journey will operate between Bhuj and Ahmedabad, covering 360km in just 5 hours and 45 minutes, with regular services beginning from Tuesday. The fare for the entire journey has been set at Rs 455.
The ‘Vande Metro,’ distinct from traditional urban metro systems found in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, has been specifically designed to connect cities, bridging urban hubs with peripheral areas. The Ministry of Railways highlights that while ‘metro’ typically refers to urban transport the Vande Metro is equipped with cutting-edge technology to meet a broader range of travel demands.
#WATCH | Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel were also present. pic.twitter.com/mXEayEmWRh
— ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2024
As a major leap in India’s rail infrastructure, the Vande Metro combines modern conveniences with practical design to enhance the overall passenger experience. The service seeks to redefine inter-city travel by providing improved comfort, safety and speed.
In addition to the Ahmedabad-Bhuj route, PM Modi also inaugurated Vande Bharat trains on various routes, including Kolhapur-Pune, Pune-Hubballi, Nagpur-Secunderabad, Agra Cantt to Banaras, and Durg to Visakhapatnam. The first 20-coach Vande Bharat train will operate between Varanasi and Delhi.
Key features of ‘Vande Metro’
- Comfortable Design: The Vande Metro features well-designed, fully air-conditioned coaches, a notable upgrade from traditional metros.
- Speed and Efficiency: It operates at a maximum speed of 110 km/h, offering faster acceleration and deceleration for quicker travel.
- Safety Features: Equipped with KAVACH collision avoidance technology, fire detection systems, emergency lights, and aerosol-based fire suppression.
- Seating Capacity: The train consists of 12 coaches with a total seating capacity of 1,150 passengers.
- Modern Doors: Features double-leaf automatic sliding doors and a flexible gangway that provides a dust-free, quiet, and rain-proof environment.
- Accessibility: Includes Divyangjan-friendly toilets to accommodate passengers with disabilities.
- Amenities: Offers meal services, charging sockets, and CCTV surveillance for added convenience and security.
- Emergency Communication: Equipped with a talk-back system for direct communication with the driver in case of emergencies.
- Service Route: The Ahmedabad-Bhuj Vande Metro service covers a 360-kilometre distance with nine stops.
- Travel Time: The journey takes 5 hours and 45 minutes, departing from Bhuj at 5.05am and arriving at Ahmedabad Junction at 10.50am.