The recently launched Namo Bharat Rapid Train, formerly known as the Vande Bharat Metro, marks a significant shift in India’s public transportation. A successful test between Ahmedabad and Mumbai demonstrated the train’s speed, reaching up to 130 km/h, making it a faster alternative to traditional MEMU trains and other intercity services.
Design and Speed Efficiency
Launched in September, the Namo Bharat Rapid Train is designed to cover distances between 250 to 350 km in under five hours. This high-speed, intercity service provides an efficient option for travelers needing quick, reliable transport.
The train is engineered for swift acceleration and deceleration, making it highly efficient for shorter distances. Key features include:
- Security and Comfort: CCTV surveillance, automatic sliding doors, spacious 2*2 seating with ample legroom, panoramic windows with roller blinds for added safety, and an advanced Kavach anti-collision system.
- Enhanced Safety: Emergency talk-back systems and driving cabins on both ends, allowing for added operational flexibility and security.
These features make the Namo Bharat train a viable option for intercity travel, ensuring passenger safety and comfort.
Expansion of Namo Bharat Services
The rollout of Namo Bharat trains is set to significantly benefit Kerala, where plans are underway to introduce 10 trains. Initially, services will start with two routes connecting Kollam to Thrissur and Kollam to Tirunelveli. This expansion aims to improve connectivity within Kerala and with neighboring regions. Future routes are expected to connect Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Guruvayur with Madurai, enhancing travel options for residents and tourists alike.
Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Corridor
In October, Namo Bharat also launched the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Corridor, a collaborative project between the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. This system is a leap forward in modernizing India’s railway infrastructure. The semi-high-speed, high-frequency commuter transit system is designed to travel at speeds of up to 180 km/h, offering a fast, reliable, and comfortable transit option along critical regional corridors.
Summary of Namo Bharat Train Features
Train Name | Route | Key Features | Max Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Namo Bharat Rapid Train | Initial routes in Kerala and the RRTS corridor | CCTV, Automatic sliding doors, 2*2 seating, panoramic windows, Kavach system, emergency talk-back system | 130-180 km/h |