Namo Bharat: India’s First Semi-High Speed Regional Train Unveiled

India’s first semi-high speed regional train, formerly known as Rapid X, has been rebranded as ‘Namo Bharat’ by the central government. This announcement coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the train service on the Sahibabad-Duhai depot route in Uttar Pradesh. Namo Bharat is part of the Regional Rapid Transit system, operating on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut route. Equipped with modern facilities, including CCTV cameras, emergency door systems, and direct communication with the train operator, these trains can reach speeds up to 160 kmph, although initial operations will be at a lower speed.

The train fare for Namo Bharat ranges from Rs 20 to Rs 50 for standard class and Rs 100 for premium class travel between Sahibabad and Duhai Depot. Children below 90 cm in height can travel for free, while premium class fares from Sahibabad to Dubai Depot vary between Rs 40 and Rs 100 based on the distance traveled. However, the renaming faced criticism from the Congress party, with leaders expressing disapproval over the name change, citing it as an example of excessive self-obsession. Despite the criticism, the inauguration marks a significant milestone in India’s regional transit infrastructure.