Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate India’s inaugural Vande Metro service during his two-day visit to Gujarat starting today. The launch event, scheduled for September 15, marks a significant milestone in India’s railway infrastructure.
The Vande Metro, designed as a fully unreserved air-conditioned train, will provide a crucial link between Ahmedabad and Bhuj, covering a distance of 360 kilometers in just five hours and 45 minutes. The service aims to enhance connectivity and ease of travel between these two major cities in Gujarat.
Key Details about the Vande Metro Service:
- Route and Timings:
- The Vande Metro will operate between Bhuj and Ahmedabad, with several stops including Anjar, Gandhidham, Bhachau, Samakhiali, Halvad, Dhrangadhra, Viramgam, Chandlodiya, Sabarmati, and Kalupur (Ahmedabad station).
- Departure from Bhuj is scheduled for 5:05 am, arriving in Ahmedabad at 10:50 am.
- The return journey will depart from Ahmedabad at 5:30 pm and reach Bhuj at 11:20 pm.
- The train will run six days a week, with services from Bhuj closed on Saturdays and from Ahmedabad on Sundays.
- Train Features:
- The Vande Metro can accommodate up to 2,058 standing passengers and 1,150 seated passengers, with cushioned sofas for comfort.
- The train is fully air-conditioned and includes features such as automatic sliding doors and engines at both ends, making it resemble the Vande Bharat Express while incorporating suburban metro features.
- It will operate as a fully unreserved service, allowing passengers to purchase tickets shortly before departure.
- Fare Structure:
- Ticket prices start at ₹30, inclusive of GST, with a one-way trip from Bhuj to Ahmedabad estimated to cost around ₹430, excluding GST.
- Season tickets will be available at rates equivalent to ₹7 for a weekly pass, ₹15 for a fortnightly pass, and ₹20 for a monthly pass.
Additional Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit:
In addition to the Vande Metro launch, PM Modi will inaugurate the second phase of the metro rail project connecting Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar and unveil a new Vande Bharat train between Ahmedabad and Kutch. He will also open a renewable energy summit in Gandhinagar.
On September 16, PM Modi is scheduled to address a large convention of BJP workers at GMDC ground in Ahmedabad and interact with beneficiaries of various government schemes, including the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin.
This visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to Gujarat since the Lok Sabha elections and the beginning of his third term as Prime Minister in June. His 75th birthday will be celebrated on September 17 in Odisha.
The launch of the Vande Metro is expected to significantly improve travel convenience and connectivity for residents and travelers in Gujarat, reflecting the ongoing advancements in India’s railway network.
Sources By Agencies