India’s first Vande Bharat Metro, a semi-high-speed non-suburban metro train designed for inter-city travel, will soon connect Ahmedabad and Bhuj.
This much-anticipated train, to be inaugurated on September 16, aims to enhance connectivity between Gujarat’s commercial hub, Ahmedabad, and the Kutch region. Further, this 334 km distance will be covered in just 5 hours and 45 minutes.
Vande Bharat Metro: Key Features and Design
The Vande Bharat Metro is built on the lines of a Vande Bharat Express but adapted for shorter, inter-city routes. It is a self-propelled train set, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 130 km/h.
The fully air-conditioned train will feature 3×3 bench-style seating with a total capacity of 1,150 seated passengers, and space for 2,058 standing travelers. Further, its standout attributes include: wheelchair-accessible toilets, a talk-back system for emergencies, and a high-tech fire detection system with 14 sensors, ensuring passenger safety.
With automatic sliding doors and engines at both ends, the Vande Bharat Metro is designed to facilitate seamless travel.
Vande Bharat Metro: Timings and Halts
The Vande Bharat Metro will operate six days a week, except Saturdays from Bhuj and Sundays from Ahmedabad. It will depart Bhuj at 5:05 AM and reach Ahmedabad at 10:50 AM. The return journey will start at 5:30 PM from Ahmedabad, arriving in Bhuj at 11:10 PM.
On its route, the train will stop at Anjar, Gandhidham, Bhachau, Samakhiali, Halvad, Dhrangadhra, Viramgam, Chandlodiya, and Sabarmati.
Vande Bharat Metro: Ticket Prices
Unlike its Vande Bharat Express counterpart, the Vande Bharat Metro is an unreserved train, allowing passengers to purchase tickets just before departure. The minimum fare will be Rs 30, while a one-way trip between Bhuj and Ahmedabad will cost approximately Rs 430.
Additionally, Indian Railways will offer weekly, fortnightly, and monthly season tickets, priced at the equivalent of 7, 15, and 20 single-way journeys, respectively.
