The Indian Railways has announced the renaming of the ‘Vande Metro’ service to ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’ ahead of its official debut. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the nation’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail service during his visit to Gujarat today, along with several new Vande Bharat trains.
The inaugural journey will begin from Bhuj and travel to Ahmedabad, covering a distance of 359 kilometers in just 5 hours and 45 minutes. The service will open to the public on September 17, with ticket prices set at an affordable Rs 455 for the full journey, making it a cost-effective option for commuters.
Running at a maximum speed of 110 kmph, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail will stop at key stations along the route, including Anjar, Gandhidham, Bhachau, Samakhiali, Halvad, Dhrangadhra, Viramgam, Chandlodiya, Sabarmati, and Kalupur (Ahmedabad station).
With its launch, Indian Railways is reshaping the metro travel concept by introducing a service that goes beyond traditional urban metro networks. Unlike conventional metro systems that operate within cities, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail will connect urban centers to surrounding regions, offering a broader travel range.
Designed to accommodate 2,058 standing passengers and 1,150 seated passengers, the train features cushioned sofa seating and air-conditioned coaches for enhanced comfort. While it shares similarities with the Vande Bharat Express, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is more akin to suburban metro trains. It boasts automatic sliding doors and engines at both ends, along with an unreserved travel option, allowing passengers to buy tickets just before departure.
