What’s inside:
This article talks about the launch of four new Vande Bharat trains, including a new route connecting Bengaluru and Ernakulam.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched four Vande Bharat trains through video link. One of these trains is the KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express, which is the first semi-high-speed train connecting Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
The inaugural journey from Bengaluru to Ernakulam took around 10 hours. Once regular services start, this time will be cut to less than nine hours, making it one of the quickest ways to travel between these two cities. This service aims to enhance tourism and business travel between Kerala and Karnataka.
The regular schedule for the Bengaluru–Ernakulam train (No. 26651) will see it leave KSR Bengaluru at 5:10 AM and arrive in Ernakulam by 1:50 PM. For the return trip, train No. 26652 will depart Ernakulam at 2:20 PM, reaching Bengaluru by 11:00 PM. The train will run six days a week, not operating on Wednesdays.
This new train service has eight coaches, including four Motor Cars, one Executive Class Coach, one Trailer Coach, and two Driving Trailer Coaches. Officials mentioned that this will make travel faster, safer, and more comfortable for passengers.
The launch of this service is expected to significantly improve travel between the two cities and will benefit tourism and trade in the region. Regular operations will begin soon, bringing more connectivity to these southern states.
Summary:
- Four new Vande Bharat trains were launched.
- Bengaluru–Ernakulam route is the first inter-state premium train.
- Travel time will be reduced to under nine hours.
- Service operates six days a week, not on Wednesdays.
- Expected to boost tourism and trade in the region.