The much-anticipated Vande Metro train has been renamed as Namo Bharat Rapid Rail hours before its inaugural run on Monday, Railway Ministry sources said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the country's first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail today. According to the Railway Ministry, the train will enhance connectivity between Bhuj and Ahmedabad and will cover 359 km in 5.45 hours.
For the public, the regular service will start on September 17 from Ahmedabad. The total journey will cost Rs 455.
"The ministry has decided to rename Vande Metro to Namo Bharat Rapid Rail," news agency PTI said, citing the Railway Ministry.
While the other metros cover only short distances, Namo Bharat trains will connect the heart of Ahmedabad with its peripheral cities, the Railway Ministry sources added.
Featuring 12 coaches with seating for 1,150 passengers, the Rapid Rail offers a host of innovative features, it said. "With ergonomically designed seats, fully air-conditioned cabins and modular interiors, it definitely proves to be superior to other metros," Railway Ministry sources said.
A significant upgrade, according to the Ministry, from traditional suburban trains and metro coaches is its modular design that includes ejector-based vacuum evacuation toilets.
"The train offers faster journeys between mid-distance cities. Its rapid acceleration and deceleration contribute to efficient travel while driving cabs at both ends eliminates turnaround time," it added.
