Bhuj-Ahmedabad Namo Bharat Rapid Rail cheaper than intercity buses
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Bhuj-Ahmedabad Namo Bharat Rapid Rail cheaper than intercity buses

The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, which was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offers cheaper and faster ride than any intercity non-AC or AC buses, the Western Railway spokesperson said. "The train covers 11 stations on the route between Bhuj and Ahemdabad. While a non-AC bus charges Rs 110 from Bhuj to Gandhidham, AC bus fare costs Rs 140 for the same distance. However, one can avail this journey at Rs 75 through this train, which is cheaper," Vineet Abhishek, CPRO, Western Railway, said. The NBRR saves a lot of time also because it is faster than buses and covers the journey in relatively shorter time duration, he said. "While a bus takes at least 2 hours to reach Gandhidham, the NBRR takes only 55 minutes," he said. According to the Western Railway, though this 12 coach train has 1150 seating capacity, over 3200 people can travel in all as it provides enough space for passengers to stand and travel. According to the CPRO, while the other metros cover only short distances, NBRR train will connect cities from the heart of the city to the peripheral cities. He added that its maximum speed is 110 kmph,the average speed of this complete 359 km journey comes around 65 kmph. Initially, the train was named Vande Metro and all pamphlets and print advertisements displayed around the Bhuj station showed its name as Vande Metro. However, hours before its inauguration, the Railway Ministry informed the media persons that it would be called Namo Bharat Rapid Rail without giving any reasons. The inaugural run, started around 4:30 pm from Bhuj, had locals, students and BJP workers as passengers. The Railway Ministry in a press statement said, "With ergonomically designed seats, fully air-conditioned cabins and modular interiors, NBRR definitely proves to be superior to the other metros." Highlighting its safety aspects, the Railway Ministry said that this train is equipped with advanced safety systems like KAVACH for collision avoidance, fire detection, and aerosol-based fire suppression, along with emergency lights. So far it's accessibility is concerned, according to the ministry, it has been designed with inclusivity in features such as Divyangjan-friendly toilets, a fully sealed flexible gangway and meal service among others. Emphasising its superior technology, it said that NBRR incorporates cutting-edge technology, including under slung propulsion and advanced braking systems, offering a smoother ride. "It boasts double-leaf automatic sliding doors, similar to those in urban metro trains, and a fully sealed flexible gangway that ensures a dust-free, quiet, and rain-proof interior," it said. According to the ministry, a significant upgrade from traditional suburban trains and metro coaches is the NBRR modular design that includes ejector-based vacuum evacuation toilets. It stated that this modern marvel is designed to connect cities within a 150 km radius, providing efficient and comfortable journeys of approximately 3 to 4 hours. "NBRR facilitates smooth end-to-end passenger movement and reduces crowding in individual coaches. The semi-permanent couplers, similar to those on Vande Bharat trains, provide a jerk-free travel experience," the ministry said. "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 said. "Continuous LED lighting ensures a well-lit environment, and a talk-back system allows passengers to communicate with the driver in emergencies," it added.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, which was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offers cheaper and faster ride than any intercity non-AC or AC buses, the Western Railway spokesperson said. The train covers 11 stations on the route between Bhuj and Ahemdabad. While a non-AC bus charges Rs 110 from Bhuj to Gandhidham, AC bus fare costs Rs 140 for the same distance. However, one can avail this journey at Rs 75 through this train, which is cheaper, Vineet Abhishek, CPRO, Western Railway, said. The NBRR saves a lot of time also because it is faster than buses and covers the journey in relatively shorter time duration, he said. While a bus takes at least 2 hours to reach Gandhidham, the NBRR takes only 55 minutes, he said. According to the Western Railway, though this 12 coach train has 1150 seating capacity, over 3200 people can travel in all as it provides enough space for passengers to stand and travel. According to the CPRO, while the other metros cover only short distances, NBRR train will connect cities from the heart of the city to the peripheral cities. He added that its maximum speed is 110 kmph,the average speed of this complete 359 km journey comes around 65 kmph. Initially, the train was named Vande Metro and all pamphlets and print advertisements displayed around the Bhuj station showed its name as Vande Metro. However, hours before its inauguration, the Railway Ministry informed the media persons that it would be called Namo Bharat Rapid Rail without giving any reasons. The inaugural run, started around 4:30 pm from Bhuj, had locals, students and BJP workers as passengers. The Railway Ministry in a press statement said, With ergonomically designed seats, fully air-conditioned cabins and modular interiors, NBRR definitely proves to be superior to the other metros. Highlighting its safety aspects, the Railway Ministry said that this train is equipped with advanced safety systems like KAVACH for collision avoidance, fire detection, and aerosol-based fire suppression, along with emergency lights. So far it's accessibility is concerned, according to the ministry, it has been designed with inclusivity in features such as Divyangjan-friendly toilets, a fully sealed flexible gangway and meal service among others. Emphasising its superior technology, it said that NBRR incorporates cutting-edge technology, including under slung propulsion and advanced braking systems, offering a smoother ride. It boasts double-leaf automatic sliding doors, similar to those in urban metro trains, and a fully sealed flexible gangway that ensures a dust-free, quiet, and rain-proof interior, it said. According to the ministry, a significant upgrade from traditional suburban trains and metro coaches is the NBRR modular design that includes ejector-based vacuum evacuation toilets. It stated that this modern marvel is designed to connect cities within a 150 km radius, providing efficient and comfortable journeys of approximately 3 to 4 hours. NBRR facilitates smooth end-to-end passenger movement and reduces crowding in individual coaches. The semi-permanent couplers, similar to those on Vande Bharat trains, provide a jerk-free travel experience, the ministry said. 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 said. Continuous LED lighting ensures a well-lit environment, and a talk-back system allows passengers to communicate with the driver in emergencies, it added.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Centre Prioritising Energy Security With Coal Gasification

Union minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the Centre is prioritising energy security through a strategic shift to coal gasification and has announced incentives totalling Rs 460 billion (bn) to support the effort. He said more than 35 companies will start coal gasification activities in India within two months and that the government is encouraging firms that bring technology to close the domestic technology gap. The minister described the initiative as aimed at reducing import dependence and developing indigenous capacity. India has the fifth-largest coal reserve in the world, and..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

BHEL and Coal India Invest Rs 250 bn in Odisha Gasification

Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and Coal India (CIL) are jointly investing Rs 250 billion in a coal gasification project in Odisha, with the Prime Minister laying the foundation stone in Jharsuguda. Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy described the initiative as a transformative shift in coal utilisation that will open industrial avenues for the state. The project moves coal beyond conventional power generation to industrial feedstocks. Coal gasification will convert coal into synthesis gas, a versatile feedstock for chemicals, fertilisers and synthetic fuels, and the technology is ex..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

BCCL Hands Over Dugdha Coal Washery To JSW Steel

Bharat Coking Coal has handed over the Dugdha Coal Washery to JSW Steel, marking the first coal washery asset monetisation under the Ministry of Coal's asset monetisation programme. The handover took place in the presence of senior officials from Bharat Coking Coal Ltd, JSW Steel and JSW Energy. The washery has a capacity of two million tonnes per annum (mn t per annum), and its transfer is intended to introduce private sector practices into coal beneficiation operations. The monetisation is aimed at modernising coal sector assets, improving operational efficiency and enhancing resource utilis..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement