The Indian Railways has recently announced that the ‘Vande Metro’ service has been renamed to ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail.’ This change was revealed on Monday, September 16, right before the launch of the new service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially flag off India’s first-ever ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’ today during his visit to Gujarat. Along with this, several other Vande Bharat trains will also be inaugurated.

Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’s First Journey
The first journey of the ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’ will begin from Bhuj and travel to Ahmedabad, covering a distance of 359 kilometers. This journey is expected to take around 5 hours and 45 minutes. Although today marks the train’s official launch, regular passenger services will start on September 17.
The cost of a ticket for the entire Bhuj to Ahmedabad route will be Rs 455, making it an affordable option for travelers. This price is quite reasonable, especially considering the comfort and speed of the train, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commuters and long-distance travelers alike.
Key Features of Namo Bharat Rapid Rail
The train is designed to run at a maximum speed of 110 km/h, allowing for quick travel between cities. It will make stops at several important stations along the way, including:
- Anjar
- Gandhidham
- Bhachau
- Samakhiali
- Halvad
- Dhrangadhra
- Viramgam
- Chandlodiya
- Sabarmati
- Kalupur (Ahmedabad station)
This will provide convenient travel options for people living in or near these stations, improving connectivity across cities and towns in the region.
How Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is Revolutionizing Metro Travel in India
With the launch of the ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail,’ Indian Railways is introducing a new kind of metro service. Unlike traditional metro trains, which usually run between stations within a single city, this new rapid rail service will connect different cities and towns. It aims to serve passengers who need to travel between urban and suburban areas, providing a faster and more efficient way to commute over longer distances.
The ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’ can carry a large number of passengers, with space for up to 2,058 standing passengers and seating for 1,150 people. The train has comfortable air-conditioned coaches with cushioned sofas for passengers to sit on, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.
Comparison Between Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and Vande Bharat Express
Although the ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’ may look similar to the popular Vande Bharat Express trains, there are some key differences. The rapid rail is designed more like a suburban metro train, focusing on shorter travel times between cities rather than long-distance travel. It has features typically found in metro trains, such as automatic sliding doors and engines at both ends.
One major difference is that the ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’ will be unreserved, meaning passengers don’t need to book their tickets in advance. Travelers can simply buy a ticket at the station right before the train departs, making it convenient for people who need to travel without planning too far ahead.
Conclusion
The launch of the ‘Namo Bharat Rapid Rail’ marks an exciting new chapter in India’s railway services. By renaming and rebranding the former ‘Vande Metro,’ the Indian Railways is offering a new way to travel between cities quickly and affordably. With its high speed, comfortable seating, and modern features, this new rapid rail service is set to make inter-city travel more convenient and efficient for thousands of passengers.
Starting from today, this service will help connect people across Gujarat, and with its official passenger services launching on September 17, it will soon become a valuable part of the daily commute for many travelers.
Convenient travel options for daily commuters.