Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Ahmedabad on his visit to Gujarat, where he will flag off India’s first Vande Metro service between Bhuj and Ahmedabad, alongside other Vande Bharat trains, on Monday.

In an update on X (formerly Twitter), Western Railways stated that the Vande Metro service is “designed to revolutionize intercity commuting in the country.” Described as a “significant advancement in passenger comfort and a catalyst for Kutch’s economic growth,” the Vande Metro is expected to “spur job creation and boost local tourism.” Here’s what you need to know:

When will the Vande Metro services start?

The Vande Metro services between Ahmedabad and Bhuj will commence on September 17 for the Ahmedabad-Bhuj route, and on September 18 for the Bhuj-Ahmedabad route.

As per Western Railways, the Ahmedabad-Bhuj Vande Metro will depart from Ahmedabad daily (except Saturdays) at 17:30, arriving in Bhuj at 23:10 the same day. The Bhuj-Ahmedabad Vande Metro will depart from Bhuj daily (except Sundays) at 05:05, reaching Ahmedabad at 10:50.

Stations and Cost

The train will stop at nine stations in both directions: Sabarmati, Chandlodiya, Viramgam, Dhrangadhra, Halvad, Samakhiali, Bhachau, Gandhidham, and Anjar. The total fare for the journey is Rs 455, according to a report in The Indian Express.

Features of the Vande Metro

The Vande Metro boasts 12 air-conditioned coaches with centrally controlled automatic sliding doors, modular interiors, continuous LED lighting, vacuum evacuation toilets, route map indicators, panoramic windows, CCTV cameras, and phone charging ports.

In terms of safety, the train is equipped with advanced systems such as KAVACH for collision avoidance, automatic smoke and fire detection, aerosol-based fire suppression, and emergency lighting.

With these features, the Vande Metro can cover the 360-kilometer distance between Ahmedabad and Bhuj in 5 hours and 45 minutes, traveling at a speed of 110 kilometers per hour.

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