PM Modi Launches Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and New Vande Bharat Trains [Current Affairs]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail on September 16, 2024, which will operate between Ahmedabad and Bhuj. Known as the Vande Metro, this new train covers a 360-kilometre distance in 5 hours and 45 minutes, making stops at nine stations along the route. Alongside, Modi also flagged off several Vande Bharat Express trains on new routes, including Nagpur-Secunderabad, Kolhapur-Pune, and Pune-Hubballi, and introduced a 20-coach Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to Delhi.

Namo Bharat Rapid Rail

The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, previously known as the Bhuj-Ahmedabad Vande Metro, will start its service with departures from Bhuj at 05:05 am and arrive at Ahmedabad Junction at 10:50 am. It will travel at a top speed of 110 km/h and stop at nine stations along the way.

Kolhapur-Pune Vande Bharat Express

Train No. 20673 (Kolhapur to Pune): Begins September 19, 2024, tri-weekly on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays. Departure: 08:15 hrs; Arrival: 13:30 hrs.

Train No. 20674 (Pune to Kolhapur): Starts September 18, 2024, tri-weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Departure: 14:15 hrs; Arrival: 19:40 hrs.

Halts: Miraj, Sangli, Kirloskarwadi, Karad, and Satara.

Composition: 8 Vande Bharat Coaches.

Pune-Hubballi Vande Bharat Express

Train No. 20670 (Pune to Hubballi): Commencing September 19, 2024, tri-weekly on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays. Departure: 14:15 hrs; Arrival: 22:45 hrs.

Train No. 20669 (Hubballi to Pune): Starting September 18, 2024, tri-weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Departure: 05:00 hrs; Arrival: 13:30 hrs.

Halts: Satara, Sangli, Miraj, Belagavi, and Dharwad.

Composition: 8 Vande Bharat Coaches.

Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express

Train No. 20101 (Nagpur to Secunderabad): From September 19, 2024, six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. Departure: 05:00 hrs; Arrival: 12:15 hrs.

Train No. 20102 (Secunderabad to Nagpur): Also starting September 19, 2024, six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. Departure: 13:00 hrs; Arrival: 20:20 hrs.

Halts: Sevagram, Chandrapur, Ballarshah, Ramagundam, and Kazipet.

Composition: 20 Vande Bharat Coaches.

New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express

The 20-coach Vande Bharat Express, manufactured at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory, will replace one of the existing services between New Delhi and Varanasi. The new train, in orange and grey, is designed to enhance rail travel for commuters, professionals, and students.

PM Modi’s Address

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of this development as part of India’s “Amrit Kal,” aiming to make India a developed nation within 25 years. He emphasized Gujarat’s crucial role in this vision and commended the recent advancements in infrastructure. Modi also laid the foundation stone for key railway projects and approved additional housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).