Today marks a historic moment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the country's first Vande Metro train, now renamed as the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail. This decision comes in line with recent developments by the Indian Railways, which also renamed the RapidX as Namo Bharat earlier this year. The inaugural Namo Bharat Rapid Rail will run on the Bhuj-Ahmedabad route, setting the stage for a new era of faster, more efficient transport across India.
Route and Schedule
The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Bhuj and Ahmedabad will run six days a week, with different service breaks on weekends. From Bhuj, the train will not operate on Sundays, while in Ahmedabad, there will be no service on Saturdays. Covering a total distance of 359 kilometers, the train will make stops at the following stations:
Anjar
Gandhidham
Bhachau
Samakhiali
Halvad
Dhrangadhra
Viramgam
Chandlodia
Sabarmati
The train will leave Bhuj at 5:05 AM and reach Ahmedabad by 10:50 AM. On the return journey, it will depart Ahmedabad at 5:30 PM and arrive back in Bhuj at 11:10 PM. Passengers will enjoy a comfortable journey, with the train stopping for about two minutes at each of the nine stations along the route.
Fare Structure and Journey Time
The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail offers a competitive and accessible fare structure for passengers. The minimum fare is set at ₹30, with additional costs including superfast surcharges, reservation charges, and GST. For a 50-kilometer journey, passengers can expect to pay Rs 60, plus GST and other applicable fees. Beyond this distance, the fare will increase by Rs 1.20 per kilometer.
This pricing model aims to provide an affordable alternative to existing transport options, particularly when compared to AC suburban trains running in cities like Mumbai.
Train Features and Safety Measures
The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail will consist of 12 coaches, offering a seating capacity for 1,150 passengers. This train is designed to complete the 359-kilometer journey between Bhuj and Ahmedabad in just 5 hours and 45 minutes, making it a time-efficient option for commuters.
While other metro trains typically cover short distances within a city, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is designed to connect peripheral cities with major urban centers. This will significantly enhance regional connectivity, allowing people from surrounding areas to commute quickly to central cities.
The train operates at a maximum speed of 110 kilometers per hour, ensuring a swift journey while maintaining comfort and safety for passengers. One of the key safety features of the train is its advanced anti-collision system, known as ‘armor,’ which further enhances passenger safety.
Expansion of Services
In addition to the Bhuj-Ahmedabad route, the country’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail will soon operate between Delhi and Meerut. This new route will offer another fast and efficient commuting option for passengers traveling in the northern part of India, with several sections of the service already operational.
In a significant expansion move, Prime Minister Modi will also be flagging off six additional Vande Bharat trains today, further boosting the nation’s high-speed rail network.
Launch Date and Passenger Service
The regular service for passengers on the Bhuj-Ahmedabad Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is scheduled to begin on September 17. For the entire journey between Bhuj and Ahmedabad, passengers will pay Rs 455, making it an economical choice for long-distance commuters.
The introduction of the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is a critical step in modernizing India's rail infrastructure, offering faster, safer, and more affordable transport options for millions of passengers. With its speed, efficiency, and safety features, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is expected to set new standards for public transportation across the country.
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