by: NavJeevan

PM Modi flags off 4 new Vande Bharat Express Trains, boosting India’s modern rail connectivity

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.

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.

  • 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

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.

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

Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat: Kerala’s third, linking three southern states with cutting-edge travel experience. PHOTO: CPRO, SR

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.