Travel by Vande Metro for just Rs 30, first service begins on 16th

AHMEDABAD: India's first Vande Metro service is all set to start. The first Vande Bharat Metro service will be launched between Bhuj and Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the train on September 16, 2024. The train will operate six days a week.

Vande Bharat Metro departs from Bhuj station at 5:05 AM and reaches Ahmedabad at 10:50 AM. On the return journey, it will depart from Ahmedabad at 5:30 PM and reach Bhuj at 11:10 PM. In the first phase, the train has stops at nine stations. Anjhar, Gandhiram, Bhachau, Samakhiali, Halwad, Dhrangadhra, Virangam, Chandlodia and Sabarmati along the route, with an average stop of two minutes each.

The minimum fare to be paid by passengers is Rs.30. Single journey, weekly, fortnightly and monthly season tickets are priced at Rs 7, Rs 15 and Rs 20 respectively. The train covers the distance between Ahmedabad and Bhuj in 5 hours and 45 minutes. The new metro service is designed to benefit thousands of daily commuters traveling between Bhuj and Ahmedabad.

The Railways has informed that the Vande Metro service will start soon in other states including Kerala. Vande Metro was built at Chennai Integral Coach Factory. Its trial run was held last month.

Vandemetro is a modified form of MEMU trains currently in service under Indian Railways. Vande Metro offers convenient travel at low cost. A coach of this train can travel at a speed of 130 kmph and can seat 100 people and 200 people can stand. A shield system is also included to prevent trains from colliding.