The first Vande Metro all air-conditioned train service of Indian Railways will run between Ahmedabad and Bhuj in Gujarat.
Developed on the same platform as the Vande Bharat Express, the Vande Metro train is a self-propelled train set designed for short-distance inter-city travel. However, unlike Vande Bharat which is a semi-high speed 160 kmph train set, the Vande Metro trains will have a maximum speed limit of 130 kmph.
Vande Metro Fare Structure
- The minimum chargeable fare will be Rs 30, including GST.
- Weekly, fortnightly and monthly season tickets shall be charged equivalent to 7, 15 and 20 single journeys of Vande Metro.
- The chargeable fare will be rounded off to the next higher multiple of Rs 5
- Normal child fare rules shall be applicable
Indian Railways officials told TOI that the fares of Vande Metro have been kept ‘affordable’ and are less compared to AC train fares on the Mumbai local network.
Vande Metro Route, Schedule & Stoppages
The Bhuj-Ahmedabad Vande Metro, with train number 94802, will embark on its journey from Bhuj at 5:05 AM and is expected to arrive in Ahmedabad at 10:50 AM, covering the distance in 5 hours and 45 minutes. Later that day, the return journey, train number 94801 Ahmedabad-Bhuj Vande Metro, will depart from Ahmedabad at 5:30 PM and reach Bhuj at 11:10 PM, completing the trip in 5 hours and 40 minutes.
During its journey, the train will make stops at various stations, including Anjar, Gandhidham, Bhachau, Samakhiali, Halvad, Dhrangadhra, Viramgam, Chandlodiya, and Sabarmati.
The train will run on 6 days of the week. While train number 94802 will not run on Sunday, train number 94801 will not run on Saturday.
Vande Metro Features
The Vande Metro is designed to provide passengers with a ‘world-class’ travel experience. The first rake has been manufactured at ICF, Chennai. Vande Metro is intended to replace the existing mainline EMUs on Indian Railways, offering a metro-like experience with seating and standing options for passengers. The 12 coach train can accommodate 1,150 passengers while sitting and 2,058 standing passengers.
The Vande Metro boasts an array of features, including a top speed of 130 kmph, enhanced acceleration and deceleration capabilities, and fully sealed gangways that allow for easier movement between coaches while maintaining a dust-free environment. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seats and a fully air-conditioned interior, ensuring a pleasant journey.
The train is equipped with automatic entry/exit doors, the KAVACH train anti-collision system, mobile charging sockets, and wide panoramic sealed windows with roller blinds for passenger convenience and safety. Additionally, CCTV cameras and emergency talk-back units are installed for enhanced security. The Vande Metro also features modular toilets with a vacuum evacuation system, further elevating the travel experience.