Prime Minister Modi Launches Namo Bharat Rapid Rail: Renamed, Features, And Fare Details

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the Bhuj-Ahmedabad Vande Metro, now renamed the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail. The renaming decision was announced by the Railway Ministry shortly before the maiden journey. PM Modi inaugurated the service from Bhuj railway station and also experienced the ride from Section 1 Metro Station to Gift City.

The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is designed to enhance intercity connectivity, covering a distance of 359 kilometers between Bhuj and Ahmedabad in approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes. The route includes stops at nine stations: Anjar, Gandhidham, Bhachau, Samakhiali, Halvad, Dhrangadhra, Viramgam, Chandlodiya, and Sabarmati. Regular service for the public will commence on September 17, with a ticket fare set at Rs 455.

The Railway Ministry emphasized that the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail represents a significant advancement over traditional metro services, aimed at bridging the core city of Ahmedabad with its peripheral areas. The train’s design incorporates several state-of-the-art features. It boasts 12 air-conditioned coaches with a seating capacity for 1,150 passengers, ergonomic seats, and modular interiors.

According to Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the coaches are equipped with advanced amenities including automatic sliding doors, continuous LED lighting, vacuum evacuation toilets, route map indicators, panoramic windows, CCTV, phone charging stations, and a sophisticated smoke/fire detection and extinguishing system. The train is capable of reaching speeds up to 110 km/h.

A notable improvement over conventional suburban and metro trains, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’s modular design includes ejector-based vacuum toilets and features that enhance rapid acceleration and deceleration. This design reduces turnaround times by allowing the train to operate efficiently between mid-distance cities.

The introduction of this rapid rail service promises to deliver affordable, fast, and comfortable travel options to commuters, potentially stimulating balanced regional development and enhancing connectivity in the covered areas.