Mumbai Hosts First Ever Namo Bharat Rapid Rail Trial Run at 130 kmph

The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail completed its maiden trial run in Mumbai on Monday, November 4. The train achieved a top speed of 130 kmph during the test. This was the first trial of the Namo Bharat in Mumbai. The train departed from Ahmedabad and arrived in Mumbai early Monday morning.

The Research, Design, and Standards Organisation (RDSO) of Indian Railways participated in the trial run to monitor the train’s performance on the new route. RDSO experts installed specialised equipment on the coaches to measure oscillations, vibrations, and various health metrics of the train. The data collected from the trial will be analysed to determine the success of the experiment.

Modelled after the Vande Bharat, the Namo Bharat train is designed as a faster, more comfortable option for regional travel. It has an average travel time of three to five hours for intercity routes between 250 and 350 kilometers. Although it does not match the Vande Bharat’s 180 kmph maximum speed, it surpasses standard MEMU services. 

Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (Erstwhile Vande Metro) on @RDSOLucknow COCR Trials on @WesternRly's Mumbai Ahmedabad Route. Train had a brief halt at Vangaon for some crew works.

The Nose, or simply the Bumper, was kept inside the train since it was a trial run. It is done because Any… pic.twitter.com/bxFa3WJM0z

— Saurabh Raut 🇮🇳 (@saurabh5620) November 4, 2024

The Namo Bharat's top speed is 130 kmph, providing an efficient travel solution for mid-distance journeys. The train was earlier known as the Vande Metro. The goal of this train is to replace existing intercity services on routes up to 250 kilometres.

RDSO Team is carrying out COCR trials of the 16 coach Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (NBRR) rake between ADI-MCT.
The trial is being carried out at an operational speed of 130 kmph, paving the way for speed certification of NBRR rakes at 130 kmph both in 16 coach/ 12 coach… pic.twitter.com/vdmxNQksuD

— RDSOLucknow (@RDSOLucknow) November 5, 2024

According to sources, discussions are underway to establish a temporary route between Mumbai and Surat. However, other route plans are still being discussed. Currently, the Namo Bharat connects Ahmedabad and Bhuj, covering 360 kilometres at an operating speed of 110 kmph. This route takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes.

With the Namo Bharat, Western India will soon have a faster, more comfortable alternative for intercity travel. This train will also have a modular design and safety features.

Passengers can expect a range of modern conveniences onboard. Air-conditioned coaches, padded seating, passenger information screens, onboard restrooms, CCTV, a talk-back system, fire detection, and advanced vacuum toilets are all part of its design. The older MEMU trains do not have such amenities.