StarCkf91771: Adding the pg added tags.

2026-01-18T15:34:28Z

Adding the pg added tags.

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{{this|intercity rail services operated by Indian Railways|the Delhi region Regional Rapid Transit|Namo Bharat}}
{{Short description|Series of Indian inter-city express train services}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox rail service
| name = Namo Bharat Rapid Rail
| color = FF7220
| color2 =
| image = Vande Metro trainset 2024-08-03 110758.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| caption = Namo Bharat Rapid Rail on its trial run
| type = [[Inter-city rail]]
| status = Operating
| predecessor = [[MEMU]]
| first =
| website = {{URL|https://indianrail.gov.in}}
| frequency =
| distance = {{convert|100-250|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
| line_used = [[#Operational services|2]]
| class =
| seating = Yes
| catering = No
| observation = Wide windows
| entertainment =
| baggage = Overhead racks
| otherfacilities = {{Hlist|[[Automatic door]]s|[[smoke alarm]]s|[[Future of rail transport in India#Bio-toilets in all trains|bio-vacuum toilets]]}}
| stock =
| speed = {{Cvt|130|km/h}} (maximum)
| trainlength = 8–16 Coaches
| electrification = {{25 kV 50 Hz}} via [[Overhead line]]
| gauge = {{track gauge|1676mm|allk=on}}
}}

'''Namo Bharat Rapid Rail''' (also referred to as '''Vande Metro''') is a short-distance service that operates on an inter-city rail network to connect major cities within a distance of around {{Cvt|100-250|km}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-16 |title=India's first Vande Metro renamed Namo Bharat Rapid Rail: All you need to know |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/pm-modi-first-vande-metro-all-you-need-to-know-9570064/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/rcf-to-roll-out-first-prototype-of-vande-metro-coach-by-april-s-srinivas-124021100139_1.html|title=RCF to roll out first prototype of Vande Metro coach by April: S Srinivas|date=11 February 2024|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|access-date=11 February 2024}}</ref> The [[Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala]] had rolled out the first Basic Unit (4 coaches) of the train in April 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.etnownews.com/infrastructure/indian-railways-first-vande-metro-at-rcf-kapurthala-amazing-pics-first-look-revealed-seephotos-article-108998895 | title=1st Vande Metro: AMAZING PICS! First look revealed – See PHOTOS | date=3 April 2024 }}</ref> This train is part of the '[[Make in India]]' initiative by the Government of India and entered commercial service in September 2024.<ref name=":nb">{{cite news |last1=Kulkarni |first1=Srushti |title=Namo Bharat Rapid Rail to revolutionise inter-city travel in Karnataka |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/xplore/2024/Oct/17/namo-bharat-rapid-rail-to-revolutionise-inter-city-travel-in-karnataka |access-date=29 January 2025 |work=The New Indian Express |date=17 October 2024 |language=en |quote=Designed to connect cities within a 100-250 km radius, this initiative is part of the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ campaign, aiming to boost local manufacturing and infrastructure development.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ahmedabad-Bhuj Namo Bharat Rapid Rail: Route, stops, speed, features and everything you should Know |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/ahmedabad-bhuj-namo-bharat-rapid-rail-routes-stops-speed-features-and-everything-you-should-know/articleshow/113391644.cms?from=mdr |access-date=26 March 2025 |work=The Economic Times |date=16 September 2024 |quote=Public service for the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail will commence on September 17 from Ahmedabad}}</ref>

== History ==
{{Expand section|date=September 2024}}
=== Announcement ===
Following the success of the [[Vande Bharat Express]] in the medium-distance segment, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail as Vande Metro was first announced by then [[Minister of Railways (India)|Minister of Railways]] Ashwini Vaishnav in April 2023 as a short-distance version intended for regional travel.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rao |first=Lingamgunta Nirmitha |title='Vande Metro' to be rolled out by Dec 2023; Check features, other details |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=14 April 2023 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/vande-metro-to-be-rolled-out-by-december-2023-check-features-other-details-101681475678629.html |access-date=15 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://metrorailtoday.com/article/vande-metro-know-all-about-indias-fastest-and-next-generation-intercity-train |title=Vande Metro: Know all about India's fastest and next generation intercity train |work=Metro Rail Today |access-date=15 September 2024}}</ref>

=== Prototypes ===

=== Trial runs ===
With the trainsets getting into the final stages, trial runs for the trainsets were scheduled for July 2024. These trials were to be focused on metropolitan cities, satellite cities, and large urban centres.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Mishra |first=Twesh |date=27 April 2024 |title=Vande Metro trial runs to begin in July 2024 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/vande-metro-trial-runs-to-begin-in-july-2024/articleshow/109650975.cms |access-date=28 April 2024 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 April 2024 |title=India to get its first Vande Bharat Metro soon! Trial run to start in July – Details inside |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-indias-to-get-its-first-vande-bharat-metro-soon-trial-run-to-start-in-july-details-inside-3470469/ |access-date=28 April 2024 |website=Financial Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cutting-Edge Vande Metro Trains To Be Rolled Out Soon; Trials Begin In July: Check Details, Routes Here |url=https://www.india.com/business/cutting-edge-vande-metro-trains-to-be-rolled-out-soon-trials-begin-in-july-check-details-routes-here-6888953/ |access-date=28 April 2024 |website=www.india.com |language=en}}</ref>

A successful trial run was conducted on 3 August 2024 which ran from Chennai's [[Villivakkam railway station|Villivakkam]] railway station and terminated at [[Katpadi Junction railway station|Katpadi Junction]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 August 2024 |title=Railway takes Vande Metro on trial run from Villivakkam to Katpadi |url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/railway-takes-vande-metro-on-trial-run-from-villivakkam-to-katpadi-797919 |access-date=3 August 2024 |website=www.dtnext.in |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Inaugural Trial Run of Vande Metro Train Sets New Benchmark for Indian Railways |url=https://metrorailtoday.com/news/inaugural-trial-run-of-vande-metro-train-sets-new-benchmark-for-indian-railways |access-date=3 August 2024 |website=Metro Rail Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 August 2024 |title=12-Car Vande Metro with 104 Seats to Begin Trial Run Today from Chennai to Katpadi: Check Features |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/chennai/12-car-vande-metro-with-104-seats-to-begin-trial-run-today-from-chennai-to-katpadi-check-features-article-112239135 |access-date=3 August 2024 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 August 2024 |title=ICF to start Vande metro trials today in Chennai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/icf-to-start-vande-metro-trials-today-in-chennai/articleshow/112233277.cms |access-date=3 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

Another trial run was conducted on 8 September 2024 which ran from [[Ahmedabad Junction railway station|Ahmedabad]] Jn. railway station to [[Bhuj railway station|Bhuj]] railway station. During the trial run, the train covered the distance in five hours, one and a half hours less than then-operational trains. During the trial, the train achieved a maximum speed of {{Cvt|110|km/h}}.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

=== Entry into service ===
The first Ahmedabad–Bhuj train service started on 16 September 2024. It consists of 12 cars, covering a distance of 359 km (223 mi). The travel time is approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes, with a maximum speed of 110 km/h (68 mph) and an average speed of 63 km/h (39 mph).

== Rolling stock ==
The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is a self-propelled trainset similar to the [[Vande Bharat Express]]. The self-propelled feature eliminates the need for a separate locomotive and offers faster acceleration and deceleration.<ref>{{cite news |title=Railway Budget 2025: 150 Vande Bharat 2.0 trains, 50 Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (Vande Metro) – Indian Railways’ major announcement |url=https://www.etnownews.com/infrastructure/railway-budget-2025-150-vande-bharat-2-0-trains-50-namo-bharat-rapid-rail-indian-railways-major-announcement-article-117846410 |access-date=26 March 2025 |work=ET Now |date=2 February 2025 |language=en |quote=The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail operates at a speed of 110 kmph, offering faster acceleration and deceleration to passengers. This speed advantage ensures quicker commutes and improved efficiency.}}</ref> Designed to replace [[MEMU]] trains, its primary aim is to reduce the inter-city travel time.<ref name=":nb" /> With a maximum operational speed of {{Cvt|130|km/h}},<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Vande Metro: Indian Railway Gears Up To Roll Out High-Speed New Intercity Train With 130 kmph Operational Capability |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/vande-metro-indian-railway-gears-up-to-roll-out-high-speed-new-intercity-train-with-130-kmph-operational-capability |access-date=14 June 2024 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref> it surpasses the current running MEMUs.

Each coach features lightweight, cushioned seats accommodating 100 seated passengers and space for 200 standing. It is fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern amenities, including sealed gangways for easy movement. It also has aluminium luggage racks, LCD displays for passenger information, automatic doors, mobile charging sockets, diffused lighting, route displays, and panoramic windows with roller blinds.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 June 2024 |title=Increasing train coaches, Vande Metro among Vaishnaw's target for the year |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/increasing-train-coaches-vande-metro-among-vaishnaw-s-target-for-the-year-101718426462674.html |access-date=16 June 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

Safety features include the [[Kavach (train protection system)|KAVACH anti-collision system]], [[Closed-circuit television camera|CCTV cameras]], Emergency talk-back units, [[Fire alarm system|fire detection systems]], and modular bio-vacuum toilets. Initially, the trainsets will consist of 12 to 16 coaches depending on route demand.

=== Rake formation ===
{{Citation needed section|date=August 2024}}
'''''Abbreviations:'''''

DTC – [[Control car|Driving Trailer Coach]]; NDTC – Non-Driving Trailer Coach; MC – [[Motor coach (rail)|Motor Coach]]; MC2 – [[Motor coach (rail)|Motor Coach]] with electrical change-over switch; MC3 – 180° rotated MC2; TC – Trailer Coach having [[Pantograph (transport)|Pantograph]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; font-size: small;"
|+ Rake Formation of 12 coach Namo Bharat Rapid Rail trainset
!Coach No.
|1
|2
|3
|4
|5
|6
|7
|8
|9
|10
|11
|12

|-
!Power Configuration
|DTC
|MC
|TC
|MC2
|NDTC
|MC
|TC
|MC2
|MC3
|TC
|MC
|DTC
|-
!Basic Power Units
| colspan="4" |Unit 1
| colspan="4" |Unit 2
| colspan="4" |Unit 3
|-
!Seating Capacity
|57
|104
|104
|104
|104
|104
|104
|104
|104
|104
|104
|57
|-
!Standing Capacity
|104
|185
|185
|185
|185
|185
|185
|185
|185
|185
|185
|104
|+ Total Seating Capacity= 1150<br />
Total Standing Capacity= 2058<br />
Total Capacity= 3208
|}

== Services ==

=== Operational services ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 90%;"
! rowspan="2" |S.No.
! rowspan="2" |Service
! rowspan="2" |Zone
! rowspan="2" |Cars
! rowspan="2" |Distance
! rowspan="2" |Travel time
! colspan="2" |Speed
! rowspan="2" |Inaugural run
! rowspan="2" |{{tool tip|Ref|Reference}}
|-
!Maximum{{efn|Maximum permissible speed over different sections as approved by the [[Commission of Railway Safety|Commissioner of Railway Safety]]}}
!Average
|-
!1
|[[Ahmedabad–Bhuj Namo Bharat Rapid Rail|Ahmedabad–Bhuj]]
|[[Western Railway Zone|WR]]
|12
|{{cvt|359|km}}
|5h 40m
|{{cvt|110|km/h}}
|{{cvt|63|km/h}}
|16 September 2024
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 September 2024 |title=First Vande Metro launch! PM Modi to flag off train linking Bhuj and Ahmedabad – Check timings, features and fare |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/infrastructure-first-vande-bharat-metro-launch-pm-modi-to-flag-off-train-linking-bhuj-and-ahmedabad-check-timings-features-and-fare-3610408/ |access-date=15 September 2024 |publisher=Financial Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite news |date=13 August 2024 |title=Inaugural Vande Bharat Metro to be from Gandhinagar to Bhuj |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/first-vande-bharat-metro-train-arrives-in-ahmedabad-for-official-launch/articleshow/112480250.cms |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=15 September 2024 |title=PM Modi to flag off country's first Vande Metro between Ahmedabad-Bhuj and Vande Bharat trains |url=https://thefederal.com/category/news/pm-modi-to-flag-off-countrys-first-vande-metro-between-ahmedabad-bhuj-and-vande-bharat-trains-144813 |access-date=16 September 2024 |website=thefederal.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
!2
|[[Jaynagar–Patna Namo Bharat Rapid Rail|Jaynagar–Patna]]
|[[East Central Railway zone|ECR]]
|16
|{{cvt|266|km}}
|5h 30m
|{{cvt|130|km/h}}
|{{cvt|48|km/h}}
|24 April 2025
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-21 |title=PM Modi to inaugurate India’s first 16-coach Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Jayanagar-Patna on April 24 – Check route, stops, features and more |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/railways-pm-modi-to-inaugurate-indias-first-16-coach-namo-bharat-rapid-rail-between-jayanagar-patna-on-april-24-check-route-stops-features-and-more-3817091/ |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Amrit Bharat 2.0, Vande Metro Coming To Bihar This Month In Transport Boost For Poll-Bound State |url=https://www.news18.com/elections/amrit-bharat-2-0-vande-metro-coming-to-bihar-this-month-in-transport-boost-for-poll-bound-state-ws-l-9308341.html |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-22 |title=Jaynagar to Patna Vande Metro: India’s 2nd Namo Bharat Rapid Rail to launch this week {{!}} Ticket prices, route, stoppages and more |url=https://www.etnownews.com/infrastructure/jaynagar-to-patna-vande-metro-indias-2nd-namo-bharat-rapid-rail-to-launch-this-week-ticket-prices-route-stoppages-and-more-article-151466841 |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=ET Now |language=en}}</ref>
|}

=== Proposed services ===
{| class = "wikitable"
|-
!S.No
! colspan="2" |Service
!Zone
!Distance
!{{tool tip|Ref|Reference}}
|-
! rowspan="6" |1
| rowspan="6" |[[Mumbai Suburban Railway]]
|[[Central line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Central Line]]
| rowspan="5" |[[Central Railway zone|CR]]
|{{cvt|180|km}}
| rowspan="6" |<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 June 2023 |title=Mumbai Infra Boost: AC Vande Metro to Replace Mumbai Local Trains - All you need to know |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/mumbai/mumbai-infra-boost-ac-vande-metro-to-replace-mumbai-local-trains-all-you-need-to-know-article-101232299 |access-date=2 October 2023 |work=Times Now |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|[[Harbour line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Harbour Line]]
|{{cvt|66|km}}
|-
|[[Trans-Harbour line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Trans–Harbour Line]]
|{{cvt|38|km}}
|-
|[[Port Line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Port Line]]
|{{cvt|26.7|km}}
|-
|[[Vasai Road–Roha line|Vasai Road–Roha Line]]
|{{cvt|100|km}}
|-
|[[Western line (Mumbai Suburban Railway)|Western Line]]
|[[Western Railway zone|WR]]
|{{cvt|123.78|km}}
|-
!2
| colspan="2" |[[Lucknow–Kanpur Suburban Railway|Lucknow–Unnao–Kanpur]]
|[[Northern Railway zone|NR]]
|{{cvt|72|km}}
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
!3
| colspan="2" |[[Chennai]]–[[Tirupati]]
|[[Southern Railway zone|SR]]
|{{cvt|147|km}}
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
!4
| colspan="2" |[[Agra]]–[[Mathura]]
|[[Northern Railway zone|NR]]
|{{cvt|54|km}}
| <ref name=":0" />
|-
!5
| colspan="2" |[[Bhubaneswar]]–[[Balasore]]
|[[East Coast Railway zone|ECoR]]
|{{cvt|206|km}}
|<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/trials-for-short-distance-vande-metro-trains-to-begin-in-july-for-vande-bharat-sleeper-in-may/articleshow/109653225.cms |title=Trials for short distance Vande Metro to begin in July |publisher=Times of India |date=27 April 2024}}</ref>
|-
!6
| colspan="2" |[[Thiruvananthapuram]]–[[Ernakulam]]
|[[Southern Railway zone|SR]]
|{{cvt|205|km}}
|<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/trials-for-short-distance-vande-metro-trains-to-begin-in-july-for-vande-bharat-sleeper-in-may/articleshow/109653225.cms |title=Trials for short distance Vande Metro to begin in July |publisher=Times of India |date=27 April 2024}}</ref>
|-
!7
| colspan="2" |[[Thrissur]]–[[Kozhikode]]
|[[Southern Railway zone|SR]]
|{{cvt|120|km}}
|<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/trials-for-short-distance-vande-metro-trains-to-begin-in-july-for-vande-bharat-sleeper-in-may/articleshow/109653225.cms |title=Trials for short distance Vande Metro to begin in July |publisher=Times of India |date=27 April 2024}}</ref>
|-
!8
| colspan="2" |[[Delhi]]–[[Rewari]]
|[[Northern Railway zone|NR]]
|{{cvt|82|km}}
|<ref name=":1"/>
|-
!9
| colspan="2" |[[Durg]]–[[Nagpur]]
|[[South East Central Railway zone|SECR]]
|265 km
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vande-metro-will-run-between-durg-and-nagpur |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/chhattisgarh/durg-bhilai/news/vande-metro-will-run-between-durg-and-nagpur-133713994.html}}</ref>
|}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== See also ==
* [[RapidX]]
* [[MEMU]]
* [[Vande Bharat Express]]
* [[Amrit Bharat Express]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commonscatinline}}
{{Navboxes|list=
{{Namo Bharat Rapid Rail}}
{{Indian Railways}}
}}

[[Category:Transportation planning]]
[[Category:Transport in India]]
[[Category:Higher-speed rail]]
[[Category:Proposed public transport in India]]
[[Category:Modi administration initiatives]]

Namo Bharat Rapid Rail - Revision history

StarCkf91771: Adding the pg added tags.