Namo Bharat Rapid Rail: A Leap in Connectivity and Growth
Image Source: The Economic Times
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on his first visit to Gujarat to flag off India’s first Vande Metro service between Bhuj and Ahmedabad, along with other Vande Bharat trains, on Monday.
India’s first Vande Metro has been renamed “Namo Bharat Rapid Rail” just hours before the inauguration. The service will be flagged off from Bhuj railway station at 4:15 PM virtually, the reporter stated. The Vande Metro services from Ahmedabad to Bhuj will begin on September 17, while Bhuj to Ahmedabad will start on September 18.
According to Western Railways, the Ahmedabad-Bhuj Vande Metro will depart from Ahmedabad at 17:30 hours every day except Saturday and arrive at Bhuj at 23:10 hours on the same day. According to the Railway Ministry, the metro has a seating capacity of 1,150 passengers. The trains will halt at nine stations—Sabarmati, Chandlodiya, Viramgam, Dhrangadhra, Halvad, Samakhiali, Bhachau, Gandhidham, and Anjar—in both directions, and the total journey will cost Rs 455, according to a report.
Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is part of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), designed to connect major cities and reduce travel time between urban centers. The train is equipped with advanced features such as modern coaches, faster acceleration, and efficient energy use. This development is a key step towards improving regional connectivity and offering a world-class commuting experience in India.
The name “Namo Bharat” could also be seen as a tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as “Namo” is a common abbreviation for Narendra Modi in India.
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. It “offers a faster journey, eliminating turnaround time,” the Ministry added.
Its advanced features enable it to cover the 360-kilometer distance in 5 hours and 45 minutes at a speed of 110 kilometers per hour. The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail initiative goes beyond just being a modern metro service. It represents the merging of cutting-edge transportation technology with a vision of economic development, job creation, and tourism growth, particularly in regions like Kutch. By linking it to PM Modi, it also reinforces the government’s broader development narrative.
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