Bengaluru Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express: In a major boost to southern railway connectivity, the Indian Railways is all set to launch a brand new Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru and Ernakulam next month. The decision comes months after the earlier tri-weekly service on the same route was withdrawn in mid 2024, leaving frequent travellers between Karnataka and Kerala seeking faster alternatives.
Bengaluru Ernakulam Vande Bharat Route and Stoppages
The upcoming semi high speed Vande Bharat Express will connect KSR Bengaluru to Ernakulam Junction, offering modern comfort and faster travel between the two southern states.
During its journey, the train will halt at:
- Krishnarajapuram
- Salem
- Erode
- Tiruppur
- Coimbatore
- Palakkad
- Thrissur
The service will cover the stretch in approximately 9 hours, significantly reducing travel time compared to existing express trains.
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Passenger Demand and Public Response
The revival of the Bengaluru Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express comes in response to persistent passenger demand. The earlier service was widely appreciated for its speed and comfort but faced operational issues that led to its suspension.
Following this announcement, the Kerala Samajam Bengaluru has welcomed the move, emphasizing that timing adjustments would help ensure better accessibility for both business and leisure travellers.
A Rajya Sabha MP also raised the issue in Parliament, questioning the delay in resuming the service and seeking clarity on the proposed Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram, which is still under review by the Railway Board.
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Travel Experience and Facilities
Like other Vande Bharat trains, this service is expected to feature:
- Fully air conditioned Chair Car and Executive Chair Car coaches.
- Onboard catering with regional cuisine.
- Automatic doors, Wi-Fi connectivity, and GPS-based passenger information systems.
- Modern seating and improved vibration-free suspension for a smooth ride.
Boost for South India’s Railway Connectivity
The new service will enhance connectivity between Karnataka and Kerala, benefitting regular commuters, IT professionals, students, and tourists alike. It will also complement other premium trains on the southern corridor such as the Mysuru Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express routes.
Officials from the Southern Railway Zone confirmed that scheduling and trial runs will be finalised shortly, with an official inauguration expected in early November 2025.
