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The Indian Railways is poised to usher in a new era of inter-city travel with the launch of the country's first Vande Metro, an advanced, high-speed train specifically designed for medium-distance journeys. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a significant gesture, will virtually inaugurate the Vande Metro on Monday, September 11th, 2023, in his home state of Gujarat. The train will embark on its maiden journey from Bhuj to Ahmedabad, covering a distance of 359 km in a swift 5 hours and 45 minutes. Regular services are slated to commence on September 17th, marking the birthday of Prime Minister Modi.
The Railway Ministry has emphasized that the Vande Metro is a departure from traditional metro systems, which are primarily focused on urban areas. The Vande Metro, on the other hand, aims to bridge the gap between cities and their surrounding peripheral regions. The ministry highlights the train's advanced features, designed to provide a comfortable and efficient travel experience. Notably, the Vande Metro boasts a top speed of 110 km/h, enabling faster acceleration and deceleration, contributing to a more streamlined journey. Passengers can enjoy ergonomically designed seats, fully air-conditioned cabins, and modern modular interiors, elevating the travel experience.
Safety is paramount in the design of the Vande Metro, featuring an array of advanced systems, including KAVACH for collision avoidance, fire detection, aerosol-based fire suppression, and emergency lighting, ensuring passenger safety in diverse situations. The train also prioritizes accessibility, with features like Divyangjans-friendly toilets, a fully sealed flexible gangway for seamless movement between coaches, and onboard meal services. The Vande Metro incorporates cutting-edge technology, including under-slung propulsion and advanced braking systems, contributing to a smooth and comfortable ride. The train is comprised of 12 coaches with seating for 1,150 passengers, featuring double-leaf automatic sliding doors and a fully sealed flexible gangway for a dust-free, quiet, and rain-proof interior.
A significant upgrade from traditional suburban trains and metro coaches, the Vande Metro boasts a modular design with ejector-based vacuum evacuation toilets, ensuring hygiene and comfort. The Vande Metro is tailored for efficient travel between cities within a 150 km radius, facilitating comfortable journeys lasting about 3 to 4 hours. The train's design emphasizes smooth end-to-end passenger movement, with semi-permanent couplers providing a jerk-free travel experience. Its rapid acceleration and deceleration contribute to efficient travel, and driving cabs at both ends help eliminate turnaround time, further enhancing efficiency. The launch of the Vande Metro signifies a pivotal step towards modernizing inter-city travel in India, offering a faster, more comfortable, and safer mode of transportation for passengers.
Source: India's first Vande Metro to revolutionise inter-city travel in Gujarat, PM Modi to inaugurate