The Railway Ministry on Monday (April 21) informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the first 16-coach Namo Bharat Rapid Rail service (also known as vande metro) on April 24 between Jayanagar and Patna. Notably, the first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail was launched between Ahmedabad and Bhuj in September last year. Ahmedabad-Bhuj Namo Bharat Rapid Rail has 12 coaches only. The railway officials informed that the decision to increase the number of coaches has been taken to accommodate more passengers.
Dilip Kumar, Executive Director, Information and Publicity, Railway Board made the announcement and said, “The honourable prime minister will flag off the Namo Bharat train between Jayanagar and Patna in Bihar on April 24. This is for the first time, a 16-coach Namo Bharat train is being introduced. The first Namo Bharat, currently operational between Ahmedabad and Bhuj, has only 12 coaches. This train will run at a maximum 110 kmph speed, reducing the travel time by half.”
Kumar highlighted that this Namo Bharat Rapid Rail will enhance the connectivity and will “provide a faster, safer and convenient journey to the common people of north Bihar who travel towards Patna for jobs, business and education. The 16-coach fully air-conditioned train will offer seats for about 2000 passengers.”
Jayanagar-Patna Namo Bharat Rapid Rail capacity
According to the railway officials, this train is made to accommodate 1000 more passengers who can stand using handrails, straps or poles to maintain balance during the train’s movement.
Jayanagar-Patna Namo Bharat Rapid Rail stops and route
The Jayanagar-Patna Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is going to pass via Madhubani, Sakri, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Barauni and Mokama stations.
Jayanagar-Patna Namo Bharat Rapid Rail amenities and features
The Railway Ministry also revealed that this rapid rail service will offer a host of innovative features such as fully air-conditioned cabins, Type-C and Type-A charging sockets, ergonomically designed seats and modular interiors along with ejector-based vacuum evacuation toilets among others.
Jayanagar-Patna Namo Bharat Rapid Rail equipped with ‘Kavach’
“This train will be very convenient to middle class families and benefit local handicraft, agri products and small manufacturing items by bringing them closer to big markets,” Kumar highglighted.
“The train is equipped with the ‘Kavach’ safety system, CCTV, fire detection and an emergency talk-back system. It has engines on both ends, which helps in reducing turnaround time. For the first time in open line railways, the train features a route map indicator displaying information about each station,” he added.