The first trial run of the Vande Bharat Metro train, named Namo Bharat rapid rail train, was successfully completed between Ahmedabad and Mumbai earlier this week. The intercity train that runs via Surat has a speed of 130 km/hr and is faster than those like MEMU trains. The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, launched in September this year, operates at 110 km/hr speed on the Ahmedabad - Bhuj route (360 km, 5 hours and 45 minutes). The new service is for intercity routes of 250 to 350 km, which can be covered in a maximum of 5 hours.
One of the main features of the train is that it can accelerate and decelerate quickly. The train reportedly has features like CCTV cameras, automatic sliding doors, 2*2 seating with spacious legroom, panoramic windows, roller blinds, KAVACH anti-collision system, emergency talk-back and driving cabs at both ends. The train will operate on routes up to 250 km. Recently, it was announced that Kerala will get 10 of these trains. Two will start operations from Kollam and head to Thrissur and Thirunelveli. Other trains are expected to connect Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Guruvayur to Madurai.
Namo Bharat RRTS Corridor
The Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System Corridor was launched in October. It is a joint venture with Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh governments. It is a new rail-based, semi-high-speed, high-frequency commuter transit system with a design speed of 180 kmphr.
