R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, NOV 9
In yet another milestone in India’s transformative rail journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains, reinforcing the nation’s march towards modern, high-speed rail connectivity under the Viksit Bharat vision. The new semi high-speed services will run between Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur Cantt–Delhi, and Ernakulam–KSR Bengaluru.
Delighted to flag off four Vande Bharat trains. These will enhance connectivity and provide greater comfort for citizens.
https://t.co/kHl2ufYLoF— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2025
While the national-level launch was held at Banaras Railway Station, the Ernakulam–KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express was flagged off through video conferencing by the Prime Minister. The event was graced by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
4 upcoming Vande Bharat routes
Tap👇 pic.twitter.com/05Y2olyTVY
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) November 7, 2025
बच्चे मन के सच्चे!
“मेरा बनारस बदल रहा है।” pic.twitter.com/hp8LAv9g5y
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) November 8, 2025
- Four new high-speed services to strengthen inter-state links and fuel regional development under ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision
- Ernakulam–Bengaluru route gets Kerala’s third Vande Bharat; passengers hail faster, safer, and more comfortable travel
- Southern Railway celebrates the inaugural with grand receptions across stations and enthusiastic public participation
Southern Railway’s Grand Celebration in Ernakulam
Glimpses from the warm reception of the Ernakulam – KSR Bengaluru #VandeBharatExpress at Palakkad Junction 🚆✨
A proud moment as Kerala and Karnataka come closer with speed, comfort, and innovation. 🇮🇳@GMSRailway @RailMinIndia #SouthernRailway #IndianRailways pic.twitter.com/HUQfHNFXXr— Palakkad Division (@DRMPalghat) November 8, 2025
Tradition on Track!
A Bharatanatyam artist strikes a pose with Vande Bharat at Ernakulam — blending culture, grace, and progress in one perfect frame.#TVCSR #SouthernRailway#IndianRailways #ErnakulamBengaluru #VandeBharatExpress #RailInfra4Kerala#Kerala #Tamilnadu… pic.twitter.com/HenCNgvsSh— DRM Thiruvananthapuram (@drm_tvc) November 8, 2025
At Ernakulam Junction, the regional ceremony marking the new train’s debut was presided over by Kerala Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, and attended by Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, Kerala Minister P. Rajeev, MP Hibi Eden, and Kochi Mayor M. Anil Kumar.
Proud moment at Coimbatore Railway Station!
DRM along with the Dignitaries flag off the Ernakulam-Bengaluru #VandeBharatExpress run marking a new era in India's high-speed rail journey. Comfort, speed, and cultural pride unite! #VandeBharatExpress pic.twitter.com/Iv1BVkDtYH
— DRM Salem (@SalemDRM) November 8, 2025
Meet the team that keeps India’s pride on track!🙌🚄
Here are the loco pilot and TTEs of the #Ernakulam – KSR #Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, leading India’s modern rail movement with commitment and passion. 🇮🇳#VandeBharat #SouthernRailway #IndianRailways #Ernakulam… pic.twitter.com/1TTYPCvSOm
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) November 8, 2025
The launch was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from passengers, students, and the general public. Souvenir passes were distributed to school competition winners and members of the media. The atmosphere across stations like Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Erode, and Salem was festive, with cultural performances and greetings for the inaugural train.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat: A New Era for South India
The newly introduced service marks Kerala’s third Vande Bharat and its first inter-state link connecting Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It promises to cut travel time to just 8 hours and 40 minutes, saving nearly two hours compared to the current fastest day train. Notably, it is also the first Vande Bharat to serve Palakkad, boosting mobility for IT professionals, business travellers, and students commuting between the two major southern cities.
Equipped with India’s indigenously developed KAVACH train collision avoidance system, bio-vacuum toilets, Braille seat numbering, infotainment systems, and advanced fire safety technology, the train offers a premium blend of speed, comfort, and safety.
Enhanced Regional Growth and Connectivity
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat is expected to significantly strengthen inter-state trade, tourism, and investment, linking South India’s commercial and technology hubs. The service will run six days a week (except Wednesdays), departing from Bengaluru at 05:10 hrs and reaching Ernakulam at 13:50 hrs, with the return journey departing at 14:20 hrs and arriving in Bengaluru at 23:00 hrs.
With this addition, Southern Railway now operates 12 pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, reflecting the government’s sustained commitment to modernizing India’s passenger rail network.
