First Day Of Ahmedabad-Bhuj Namo Bharat Rapid Rail And Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro: A Report

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Ahmedabad-Bhuj Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (previously called Vande Bharat Metro- India's first) and the second phase of the Ahmedabad metro to Gandhinagar. The two new services have given a boost to the city's public transport system as on the first day, nearly 5,000 passengers used the new Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro.On the other hand, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail saw a footfall of 320 passengers from Ahmedabad, Sabarmati and Chandlodia stations alone, reported Times of India. Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation's (GMRC) Managing Director SS Rathore said that the initial estimate indicated close to 5,000 metro riders on Day 1. He further mentioned that with final figures would be released soon, quoted TOI.It is being assumed that many have ditched crowded taxis and cabs finding Rs 35 fare lucrative. Meanwhile, the report mentioned, that Metro officials believe they would see an increase in the footfall once the extends to Sachivalaya and Akshardham. The new metro line stretches from GNLU to GIFT City.Meanwhile, the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail saw 200 passengers riding the train from Ahmedabad and Sabarmati stations and 120 from Chandlodia. "Since the train operates on an unreserved basis, passengers purchase tickets at the counter. Its true popularity will be clearer in a month when monthly, fortnightly and weekly passes come into play," a senior official was quoted as saying by the TOI report.READ MORE: Ahmedabad To Gandhinagar In 45 Mins, A Gift For GIFT City

Ahmedabad-Bhuj Namo Bharat Rapid RailThe much awaited Rapid Rail can run with a speed of 110 km/h and aims to cover the 359km journey from Bhuj to Ahmedabad within 5 hours and 45 minutes. Earlier it used to cover seven hours by road, the report added. The fares start at as slow as Rs 30 for the first 25km and Rs 1.20 per additional km. The report said there are options available for regular passes. It has 12 coaches and can accommodates 1,150 seated passengers and over 2,000 standing passengers.