On his maiden trip to Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Ahmedabad. On Monday, he will launch the first Vande Metro service in India between Bhuj and Ahmedabad together with other Vande Bharat trains.
The metro was renamed to Namo Bharat Rapid Rail by the Railway Ministry hours before the opening, according to an official quoted by news agency PTI. According to the source, the service will virtually begin at 4:15 p.m. from the Bhuj train station.
Western Railways stated that the Vande Metro service is “envisioned to redefine intercity commuting in the country” in an update on X (previously Twitter). Touted as a “breakthrough in terms of commuter comfort and an engine for Kutch’s economic expansion,” the Vande Metro aims to “promote employment generation and enhance regional travel.” All you need to know is this:
When will metro services start operating?
On September 17, Vande Metro services will commence from Ahmedabad to Bhuj, and on September 18, services from Bhuj to Ahmedabad. The Ahmedabad-Bhuj Vande Metro is scheduled to leave Ahmedabad at 17:30 on all days other than Saturday and reach in Bhuj at 23:10 on the same day, according to Western Railways.
Every day save Sunday, the Bhuj-Ahmedabad Vande Metro will leave Bhuj at 05:05 and arrive in Ahmedabad at 10:50 that same day.
Halting stations and cost
The entire trip would cost Rs 455, and the trains will stop at nine stations in both directions: Sabarmati, Chandlodiya, Viramgam, Dhrangadhra, Halvad, Samakhiali, Bhachau, Gandhidham, and Anjar.
Features of the Vande Metro
According to the Western Railways, the Vande Metro train has “12 air-conditioned coaches with centrally controlled automatic sliding doors, modular interiors, continuous LED lighting, route map indicators, panoramic windows, CCTV, and phone charging facilities.”
The Ministry emphasized the safety features of Vande Metro, stating that it has emergency lighting, automated smoke and fire detection, aerosol-based fire suppression, and KAVACH for collision avoidance.
With its sophisticated features, it can go 360 kilometers at 110 kilometers per hour in 5 hours and 45 minutes.
The Railway Ministry claims that the metro can accommodate 1,150 people on seats.
The Ministry claims that in terms of accessibility, the Metro has been planned with inclusion features like meal service, a fully sealed flexible gangway, and Divyangjan-friendly restrooms, among others.
“Train travel between mid-distance cities is quicker. Driving taxis at both ends minimizes turnaround time, and its quick acceleration and deceleration add to the efficiency of travel, the Ministry continued.