Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on his first visit to Gujarat, where he will flag off India's first Vande Metro service between Bhoj and Ahmedabad along with other Vande Bharat trains on Monday.
In an update on X (formerly Twitter), Western Railway said the concept of Vande Metro service is “to redefine intercity commuting in the country.”
Described as “advancement in passenger comfort and a catalyst for economic development in some,” Vande Metro promises to “create employment and boost local tourism.” Here's what you need to know:
When will the metro service be operational?
Vande Metro services from Ahmedabad to Bhoj will start from September 17, while Bhoj to Ahmedabad will start from September 18.
According to Western Railway, Ahmedabad-Bhoj Vande Metro will depart from Ahmedabad at 17:30 hrs daily except Saturday and reach Bhoj at 23:10 hrs on the same day.
India's first Vande Metro Train (94801/02) is being introduced on Ahmedabad-Bhaj for the convenience of passengers and to meet the travel demand.#WRUUpdates pic.twitter.com/lVmAqpikHe
— Western Railway (@WesternRly) September 15, 2024
Bhoj-Ahmedabad Vande Metro will leave Bhoj daily except Sunday at 05:05 hrs and reach Ahmedabad at 10:50 hrs on the same day.
Halting station and cost
The trains will stop at nine stations — Sabarmati, Chandlodia, Virgamgam, Dhrangadhara, Halwad, Samakhiali, Bhachau, Gandhidham and Anjar — in both directions, and the total journey will cost Rs 455, according to a report. Indian Express.
Features of Vande Metro
The Vande Metro train has “12 air-conditioned coaches with centrally controlled automatic sliding doors, modular interiors, continuous LED lighting, toilets with vacuum evacuation, route map indicators, panoramic windows, CCTV, phone charging facilities,” Western Railway said.
Highlighting its safety aspects, the ministry said Vande Metro is equipped with advanced safety systems like KAVACH for collision avoidance with emergency lights, automatic smoke/fire detection, and aerosol-based fire suppression.
Its advanced features enable it to cover a distance of 360 km in 5 hours 45 minutes at a speed of 110 kmph.
In terms of accessibility, according to the ministry, the metro has been designed with inclusive features such as disabled-friendly toilets, a fully sealed flexible gangway and food service.