India’s first Vande Metro renamed Namo Bharat Rapid Rail: All you need to know

In an update on X (formerly Twitter), Western Railways said that the Vande Metro service is “envisioned to redefine intercity commuting in the country.” Described as a “leap forward in commuter comfort and a catalyst for economic growth in Kutch”, the Vande Metro promises to “drive job creation and boost local tourism.” Here’s all you need to know:

When will the metro services be functional?

The Vande Metro services from Ahmedabad to Bhuj will begin on September 17, while that from Bhuj to Ahmedabad will start on September 18.

According to the Western Railways, Ahmedabad-Bhuj Vande Metro will depart from Ahmedabad at 17:30 hours everyday except Saturday and arrive at Bhuj at 23:10 hours on the same day.

The Bhuj-Ahmedabad Vande Metro will depart from Bhuj at 05:05 hours everyday except Sunday and arrive at Ahmedabad at 10:50 hours on the same day.

Halting stations and cost

The trains will halt at nine stations – Sabarmati, Chandlodiya, Viramgam, Dhrangadhra, Halvad, Samakhiali, Bhachau, Gandhidham and Anjar – in the two directions, and the total journey will cost Rs 455, according to a report in The Indian Express.

Features of the Vande Metro

The Vande Metro train has “12 air-conditioned coaches with centrally controlled automatic sliding doors, modular interiors, continuous LED lighting, toilets with vacuum evacuation, route map indicators, panoramic windows, CCTV, phone charging facilities,” the Western Railways stated.

Highlighting its safety aspects, the Ministry said that Vande Metro is equipped with advanced safety systems like KAVACH for collision avoidance, automatic smoke/fire detection, and aerosol-based fire suppression, along with emergency lights.

Its advanced features enable it to cover 360-kilometer distance in 5 hours and 45 minutes at a speed of 110 kilometres per hour.

According to the Railway Ministry, the metro has a seating capacity of 1,150 passengers.

In terms of accessibility, according to the Ministry, the Metro has been designed with inclusivity features such as Divyangjan-friendly toilets, a fully sealed flexible gangway and meal service among others.

“The train offers faster journeys between mid-distance cities. Its rapid acceleration and deceleration contribute to efficient travel while driving cabs at both ends eliminates turnaround time,” the Ministry added.

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