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.

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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Resources

Schindler named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026

Schindler has been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026, a global ranking recognising companies for their workplace environments.Compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, the ranking is based on independent employee feedback, including whether employees would recommend their organisation to friends and family.The company said the recognition reflected its focus on creating a workplace where employees can develop their expertise and build careers. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India needs an export-execution mindset: Vishesh Jain

Interview with Vishesh Jain, Founder & CEO, EximpleWhat gaps in India’s global trade ecosystem led you to build Eximple, and what problem did you see businesses struggling with most?Eximple came out of a problem that all three founders had seen from different choke points in the trade ecosystem. India has millions of MSMEs and manufacturers, and many of them can make products that are genuinely competitive on quality. Yet only a small fraction is able to build meaningful international businesses. In our experience, the gap is usually not manufacturing capability; it is the ability to exe..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco reports 13.5% revenue growth in Q2 FY27

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. reported consolidated revenue of Rs 27.9 billion for Q2 FY27, up 13.5% year on year. Cement sales volume rose 9% to 4.7 million tonnes (MMT), while EBITDA increased 11% to Rs 4.11 billion.The company said it began its cement operations in 2014 with a 2.3 MMT per annum (MMTPA) operation at Nimbol. It now aims to reach 35 MMTPA of cement capacity by FY28, nearly 15 times its initial capacity. Its portfolio spans cement, ready-mix concrete and modern building materials.On sustainability and cost efficiency, Nuvoco partnered with CleanMax for a 46.4 MW wind-solar hybrid re..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code