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

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