India's first Vande Metro, renamed as Namo Bharat Rapid Rail

India's first Vande Metro, renamed Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, was launched on September 16, 2024, covering 360 km from Bhuj to Ahmedabad in 5 hours and 45 minutes. The train, part of PM Modi's initiative to improve railway infrastructure, connects cities within a 150 km radius and offers 3-4 hour journeys.

Introduction and Launch Details

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first Vande Metro, renamed as Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, on September 16, 2024
Inaugural route: Bhuj to Ahmedabad, covering 360 km in 5 hours 45 minutes
Regular service starts September 17, 2024, from Ahmedabad
Fare: Rs 455 for the full journey
Part of PM Modi's initiative to boost railway infrastructure
Connects cities within a 150 km radius, offering 3-4 hour journeys
Designed to link city centers with peripheral areas

Technical Specifications and Features

Maximum speed: 110 km/h with faster acceleration and deceleration
12 coaches with seating capacity for 1,150 passengers

Advanced safety systems:

- KAVACH for collision avoidance
- Fire detection and aerosol-based fire suppression
- Emergency lights

Cutting-edge technology:

- Under slung propulsion
- Advanced braking systems
- Double-leaf automatic sliding doors
- Fully sealed flexible gangway for dust-free, quiet, and rain-proof interior
Modular design with ejector-based vacuum evacuation toilets
Semi-permanent couplers for jerk-free travel
Driving cabs at both ends to eliminate turnaround time

Passenger Amenities and Comfort

Ergonomically designed seats
Fully air-conditioned cabins
Divyangjan-friendly toilets
Meal service
Mobile charging sockets (type-C and type-A)
CCTV surveillance
Route-map indicators above1 doors
Continuous LED lighting
Talk-back system for passenger-driver communication in emergencies
Panoramic windows
Cushioned sofas for added comfort

New India ASEAN Defence Framework

In October 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. During this meeting, he proposed a dedicated India-ASEAN Defence

India FDI 2024-25

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) Census 2024-25, providing a detailed picture of India FDI 2024-25 and its role in strengthening the Indian eco

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel coin 2025

On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel coin 2025 and a special postage stamp in Gujarat. The

What Is 67 Meaning Slang?

In a surprising and unique decision, Dictionary.com has named “67” as the Word of the Year 2025. This announcement has caught everyone’s attention, especially among language enth

Tourism Boost Vision 2029 India

The Government of India has introduced the Tourism Boost Vision 2029 India, an ambitious initiative to develop 50 world-class tourist destinations across the country by 2029. This plan aims to red

₹33,000 Crore Indian Navy LPD Project

In a landmark move to enhance India’s maritime defence capabilities, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) and Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI) have partnered under the Indian Navy

NBS Rabi 2025-26 Subsidy Rate

The Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme was launched on 1 April 2010 by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. The scheme provides subsidies on phosphatic and potassic fertilisers such as di-ammoniu

India-China Culture Shines

Rabindranath Tagore, one of India’s greatest literary icons, visited China nearly a century ago. During his visit to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, Tagore met with several Chinese scholars

India’s Service Sector Jobs 2023–24 Growth

India’s service sector jobs in 2023–24 have emerged as the most powerful employment engine of the country, playing a crucial role in shaping the Indian economy in 2023–24. Accord

PM Modi on India Cultural Unity Festivals

India's cultural unity festivals represent the living soul of our nation, symbolising how people from different regions, religions, and languages come together in celebration. In the